widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: widely diffused or prevalent

widespread public interest

2

: widely extended or spread out

low, widespread hood and fenders

—Time

a widespread erosion surface

—C. B. Hitchcock

Synonyms

• extensive
• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• deep

Examples of widespread in a Sentence

There is widespread public interest in the election.

Trade partners had become more widespread.

There was widespread opposition to the plan.

Recent Examples on the Web

If that awareness spreads to other highly tariffed sectors, from furniture to heavy machinery, this administration may unintentionally succeed in unlocking widespread adoption of circularity that has eluded its backers for decades. —Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

As the trend becomes increasingly widespread, criminals are turning to faster ways to procure cars for racing. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Despite widespread speculation, several high-profile names close to Lively have not been deposed. —Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

Jewish leaders expressed a sense of joy at the Israeli hostages returning home, while Palestinian advocates expressed a more muted hope given the widespread destruction in Gaza. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for widespread

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: scattered or found over a wide area

widespread interest in the election

2

: spread out over a wide area

widespread wings