broader; broadest
1
a
: large from one side to the other side : wide
He has broad shoulders.
a broad stripe
broad prairies
a broad avenue
b
chiefly British
: having a specified width
three metres broad [=wide]
2
: including or involving many things or people : wide in range or amount
The store has a broad selection/variety of coats.
a president with broad [=widespread] appeal
There was broad agreement on the new government.
There are three broad categories of industry in the region: computers, finance, and education.
The conference was attended by a broad spectrum [=a range of many different kinds] of religious leaders.
3
: relating to the main parts of something : general
the broad outlines of a problem
discusses "family" in its broadest sense
4
: easily seen or noticed
She gave him a broad [=obvious] hint.
He speaks with a broad Midwestern accent.
Cite this Entry
“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/broad. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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