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deep

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noun

1
as in midst
the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in sea
the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deep different from other adjectives like it?

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits.

rugs eight feet wide
a wide doorway

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deep
Adjective
As well as their three strikes, Dortmund had the ball in the back of the net twice more after Pascal Gross and Julian Brandt made deep runs behind Barcelona’s defensive line to race through on goal. Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Sometimes an extended makeup routine is also a form of self-care for me: Taking my sweet time getting a cut-crease just right or layering on a new lip combination provides me with a sense of deep satisfaction. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
After inspecting the area, Jumper discovered the sounds came from a dog trapped in a 12-foot-deep well underneath the house. Rachel McRady, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Two teenagers were rescued after they were caught unprepared — and waist-deep in snow — while hiking in the New Hampshire mountains. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • This signals a profound reshaping of executive leadership.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Often, the impact of a group of like-minded people is more profound, more lasting, and more important than that of an individual.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That high prices foretell lower prices rates more discussion as Republicans and conservatives rush to anoint former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chairman.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • That's why the ratings, the approval numbers of the media are so low.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes life works in mysterious ways and it’s denied Lucas the opportunity to play in a big game last night.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • That includes the appearance of a brand new character, Lewis Pullman's mysterious Bob, a.k.a.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Before beginning the actual development work on a new construction software platform, technology providers must take the esoteric concept of empathy and put it into practice.
    Michael Pink, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Science research can be esoteric; saving someone's body or mind is not.
    Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Storm clouds loomed over Europe, and Adolf Hitler's ambitions were not ambiguous for anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear—especially U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Timing for the start of production is likewise ambiguous.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the game, the station is in the bright sunlight, and the subway tunnel experience takes a lot longer, and isn’t quite as intense.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • And, George, Elon Musk told reporters this week it's been a very intense 100 days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • When the Cowboy Carter tour kicks off tonight, the audience, some of whom are already lined up outside the stadium, will be the first to hear selections from the extensive album track list live.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
  • His extensive pitch repertoire and his stuff haven’t been an issue.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In both their series against Pumas and Monterrey, the Whitecaps tied the first leg at home, then scored in extra time to tie the second leg and advance on away goals.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
  • At the final whistle, a goal by Akpom having sealed a 2-0 win for the away side, Bentaleb’s team-mates and members of the Lille coaching staff flocked towards him one by one.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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