1
as in to disseminate
to cause to be known over a considerable area or by many people
spread the news!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to apply
to put a layer of on a surface
we spread the fertilizer over the lawn evenly until it was fully covered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to circulate
to become known
once news of the war's end had spread, spontaneous celebrations broke out everywhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to transmit
to cause (something) to pass from one to another
living conditions that help to spread chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to part
to go or move in different directions from a central point
the walls of the old barn spread under the weight of the snow on the roof
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to increase
to become greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
dissatisfaction with the new administration is spreading rapidly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed
bought a brightly colored spread for summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in dinner
a large fancy meal often accompanied by ceremony or entertainment
they really know how to put out a good spread
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in expansion
a wide space or area
a vast spread of land just waiting to be settled
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
a spread of nearly 100 miles between farms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of spread
Charles Trepany, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Tesla is far behind Waymo, the driverless-taxi service owned by Google’s parent company that is picking up riders in five cities, and is quickly spreading to many more.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Officials in West Sacramento and Yolo County are warning of another potential spread of COVID-19 and are urging residents to take precautions.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
Rumors also spread faster when there's, at least, a hint of truth to them − or what seems to be truth at a glance.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Tesla is far behind Waymo, the driverless-taxi service owned by Google’s parent company that is picking up riders in five cities, and is quickly spreading to many more.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
The lower the exercise spread, the less chance the AMT will be triggered.
—Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Officials in West Sacramento and Yolo County are warning of another potential spread of COVID-19 and are urging residents to take precautions.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
-
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.—
Frank Cappelleri,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Experts say the infrastructure around the data collected and disseminated by the federal bureau is robust and has been around for a long time.—
CalMatters,
Oc Register,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The legislation will limit repayment options and cap borrowing limits for graduate students, including eliminating Graduate PLUS loans, forcing more students to apply for private loans or reconsider their education options.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
While mopping, its spinning pads apply 12 Newtons of downward pressure and spin at up to 200 rotations per minute (RPM).—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Slate That means that there have been design tweaks to the vehicle, many of which remain unseen on prototypes that have been circulated at brand and model discovery events, called Slate to State, that are being hosted throughout the country.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
To force a House vote, Massie and Khanna circulated a petition among their colleagues.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Jumbotrons at Tiananmen Square beamed the image to the 50,000 people gathered under the beating Beijing sun to witness the spectacle, many waving small Chinese flags, while state media transmitted it to televisions across China and the world.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Rabies is a virus that is transmitted to humans by a bite or scratch from a rabid animal, according to the CDC.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The model's dark hair was parted exactly in the center, then pulled up and back in a tight style reminiscent of the perfectly precise buns worn by prima ballerinas.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Earlier this month, KG and JYP USA announced that both parties had settled the lawsuit and parted amicably.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Stimulated mitochondria generate more ATP, while improved circulation increases blood flow and oxygenation.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Protests have also broken out due to ICE checkpoints popping up around the city and the police increasing curfew zones for minors.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Laura Ashley Amberley Cotton Quilt Set This reversible quilt set from Laura Ashley brings a fresh and classic feel to rooms.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Don’t miss the chance to get this hotel-quality quilt set for just $60.—
Melody Kazel,
People.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Swedish brand, which received investment from LVMH last year, is in town for a men’s pop-up with Nordstrom and a brand dinner.—
Vogue Runway,
Vogue,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Could routinely skipping breakfast or eating a late dinner actually affect your bones?—
Simon Spichak,
Health,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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