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 Some reports estimate that tens of thousands of moderate Muslims also have been killed by extremists in Nigeria, reflecting the broader toll of militant violence. Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025 Hartman characterized her dismissal as an indication of a broader destabilization inside the Justice Department and Trump administration. Scott MacFarlane 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025 But states, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the broader understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendment's adoption. Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025 Reynolds, of Tampa, said emergency response laws are meant to be broad to give leaders the flexibility to make fast decisions and keep people safe. Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • Brian Cashman is casting a wide net to try and bring someone in, but the Bronx Bombers are running out of time.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Yet, this theory has continued for years—centuries, in fact—to give rise to a wide range of colonic quackery.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Melvin Doyle, meanwhile, has an extensive criminal record dating back to his late teens.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • The liner notes for the album contain extensive interviews with Stone as well as the other original members of the Family Stone.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious.
    Billal Rahman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Thus far, though, it’s been an elixir for the American economy, which was suffering from inflation and a general malaise.
    E.J. Antoni, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • That tracks with the general rhythm of a long-haul flight: meal service, lull, second meal, descent.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 1970, when a nearly unanimous Congress approved sweeping changes strengthening federal air pollution laws, one proviso allowed California in many cases to craft its own rules — a recognition of the challenge the Golden State faced in dealing with the nation’s worst smog problem.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • But the top Trump advisor picked April 1, the day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs, to make the sale, according to disclosure reports obtained by USA TODAY.
    Suhail Bhat, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • This data shows that brain aging and overall physical decline are closely linked. DunedinPACNI is the future of preventative healthcare The team believes DunedinPACNI could change the landscape of preventive medicine.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
  • However, recent months’ economic data has shown that overall inflation has remained fairly tame. Trump and members of his administration tout the positive economic reports as signs that tariffs are working.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tequila has long been celebrated for its deep Mexican heritage and craftsmanship, but Black entrepreneurs, mixologists, and investors are now making their mark on the industry.
    Essence, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Maresca spoke of the importance of this role when playing against teams who like to defend deep — as Fluminense, with 40-year-old former Chelsea captain Thiago Silva in their back line, did here.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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!