Definition of broadnext
1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

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

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

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 broad The discussion will explore the film’s origins, its themes of fraternity, and the broader question of how cinema can build bridges. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026 The American findings from the nonpartisan think tank were part of a broader Pew global survey of more than 33,000 people from 25 countries. Terry Collins, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 What readers are saying The conversation explores the potential impact of AI on the legal profession and the broader workforce. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026 Yet the questions seemed inexplicably broad and subjective. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • That particular corner was filled with pink shirts and defeated faces, and Salloi stood in front of them, fingers in the corners of his mouth, drawing his smile wide like the Joker.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Los Angeles is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, an event that will draw an even larger economic influx with a wider international crowd over a longer period of time.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Models require extensive training to enable them to identify everyday objects to interact with, which means that simple tasks like picking up fruit can be challenging in robotics.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Coastal Fish also offers some of the best seafood around, along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Henry Ford, but for housing If the goal is to bring down building costs, rethinking the basics of the construction process is an obvious place to start.
    Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The imminent launch got less obvious cues throughout the show, too.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Though framed as a request for information, Levine’s letter signals that Florida’s campaign against accrediting bodies — once focused on general university oversight — is expanding into medicine, one of the most tightly regulated sectors of higher education.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The second would be how friendly people are along King Drive in general.
    Kynala Phillips, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Galleries devoted to world cultures, rotating contemporary exhibitions and sweeping public terraces overlooking the Spree position the institution as both museum and gathering place.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Zelensky pressed for partners to intensify pressure on Russia to end the war, pointing to the sweeping human costs of the conflict.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Telltale Signs of Rotary Motion The re-examination revealed unmistakable evidence that this was no simple awl meant for poking holes.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Those distinctive features give the species a look that is at once gentle and unmistakable — a face that, for the wildlife community, has become a symbol of how close a species can come to vanishing entirely and still find a path back.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The blowout loss would mark not only the biggest margin of defeat for the Trojans in two seasons under Musselman but also the first time USC (18-8 overall, 7-8 in the Big Ten) has given up more than 100 points in a game since 2019.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The win boosted San Diego State’s overall record to 21-4.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Gas fireplaces turn on with a flip of a switch and deep Italian marble tubs are easily large enough for two.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on broad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!