wide 1 of 2

Definition of widenext

wide

2 of 2

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

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
It’s expressed today in a wide variety of mediums, from painting to graphic novels. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 The wide-plank floors and exposed rafters preserve some of the 1800s charm, along with gigantic fireplaces in the living room and the kitchen. Clio Chang, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
A number of developments in California’s gubernatorial race underscore that with less than a month until early primary voting begins, the race is wide open and that an opportunity exists for a candidate to break through. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026 The competition in the women’s 100‑plus age group this year is wide open, the AJC’s Ken Sugiura reports. Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • Republican candidate Steve Hilton said the Swalwell scandal underscores broader concerns about accountability at the highest levels of government.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The broader economic risks have continued to rear their head.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Besides the obvious, the positive benefits from space programs are extensive, including medical and technological breakthroughs that affect our daily lives in countless positive ways.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The New York Times published extensive analyses of the damage to communications infrastructure and bases throughout the region.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • While my skin doesn’t quite sparkle or reflect like glass, the results are subtle yet effective.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Manson can’t quite make up her mind about the value proposition of institutional inertia.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Dandelion seeds easily take hold in bare spots, so keep your lawn thick and healthy.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
  • In addition to a thick webbed strap that's adjustable, the bag features two exterior zippered pockets with RFID-blocking technology to protect important travel essentials like cell phones, hotel room keys, passports, and credit cards.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Seven people charged in connection with the explosion were arrested in a sweeping operation early Thursday morning, Reisig said, including Blackstar Fireworks owner Craig Cutright.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The error, which the administration admitted first to The Associated Press, prompted health analysts to question how many of the Republican administration's sweeping anti-fraud efforts around the country were based on faulty findings.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Opposition parties warn that basing constituencies on population could shift political power toward faster-growing northern states, while diminishing the parliamentary representation, seat share and overall influence of southern regions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Shrewsberry’s son, Braeden, returns, as does rising sophomore big Brady Koehler, but entering a season in which Shrewsberry is almost certainly coaching for his job, Notre Dame desperately needs to add no-doubt contributors — and fast.
    Brendan Marks, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Wheatley isn’t a sudden-twitch mover and the tackling can get messy, but the size, awareness and ability to play deep, in the slot or around the box should keep him in the Day 2 conversation.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • From high enough in the sky, the clouds look like thick cotton being pulled from a deep-blue couch.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Fashion On-Theme Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway perfectly match their fashion to the red, white, and black theme at the Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere in Seoul, South Korea on April 8.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Their schemes to push Asian-American kids out of their dream schools for racial reasons would have been perfectly legal.
    Alison Somin, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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