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wide

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

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

The words broad and deep are common synonyms of wide. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," 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

In what contexts can broad take the place of wide?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is deep a more appropriate choice than wide?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

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 wide
Adjective
The show is set in 1972, when the cars were wide, the engines were big and the seatbelts were mostly decorative. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 13 May 2025 According to data intelligence firm Morning Consult, DEI is one of the hot-button issues that produces the widest partisan gaps in what Americans want brands to talk about. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Adverb
Point made a forehand move on Sergei Bobrovsky that opened up the left side of the net, but the Lightning’s top goal-scorer in the regular season missed wide with a backhand shot. Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025 One to One opens wide in theaters starting April 18 and will stream on Max later this year. Gary Graff, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • Chinese galleries have been steadily expanding their presence in New York in the past few years, mirroring a broader migration trend as more wealthy Chinese individuals move to the United States.
    Hok-Hang Cheung for ArtNews, Robb Report, 11 May 2025
  • Advertisers seem eager to tie pitches and promotions to programs seen by a broader audience.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Law enforcement and Suzanne’s brother, Andrew Moorman, led extensive searches but were unable to find her.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Design That Adapts to Real Life Unlike traditional central systems, mini split air conditioning does not require extensive ductwork or invasive installation.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adverb
  • Almost, but not quite spontaneously, Adam and Teddy take off in Teddy’s truck, heading north, maybe to the arctic, maybe to just get out of town for a bit.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Montverde won the final event, the 4×400 relay, in 3 minutes 45.5 seconds but that wasn’t quite enough.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • That model, nicknamed iPhone 17 Air, will be super-slim, as little as 5.5mm thick.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • The material is also thick enough to feel supportive but lightweight enough to wear year-round.
    Susan Brickell, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Nissan on May 13 announced sweeping cuts across the company with plans to lay off another 11,000 employees and close more than a half-dozen plants across the globe.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • More so than Trump's deportations or sweeping government cuts, many now believe this could be it.
    Nik Popli, Time, 13 May 2025
Adverb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025
  • And given how quickly the technology advances, private companies are setting their own rules of conduct and doing so faster than regulators can keep up – similar to how the internet has developed.
    Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2025
  • Veteran forward John Tavares put Florida in a deep hole nearly six minutes into the first period, wrapping around the Panthers’ net and putting a second goal past Sergei Bobrovsky.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Adverb
  • Not everything landed perfectly, with the writing of many of the live bits feeling like the staff are just going through the motions, but Brunson’s ability to commit to each role and work seamlessly off the cast more than made up for it.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
  • With the future of the show uncertain, the cast and crew shot the episode with a conclusion that wraps up the series perfectly.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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