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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 Demonstrations had erupted in the former French colony on September 25 over water and power shortages but quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance and lack of basic services. CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 For high-net-worth investors especially, staying focused on the broader picture – risk exposure, tax efficiency, estate coordination – is far more productive than monitoring day-to-day performance. Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025 This violation falls under a broader category of improper passing rules, as a driver may not use the shoulder for passing. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Right now, the broader effects are relatively muted. Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • Or for the wide swaths of empty seats in the upper deck that formed after the New York Giants put the game in a vice grip with a three-score lead late in the third quarter and put the Broncos on shutout watch.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Then, jump down to shop for more wide-leg sweatpants on sale at Amazon.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Schools, hospitals, as well as water and electricity infrastructure have all been devastated during the two-year war from Israel’s extensive military campaign on the Gaza Strip, Amr said.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2025
  • While his two-way role requires extensive off-field work to stay ready for both jobs, Ohtani had pitched in only two games over the past 30 days before Game 4, thanks to the permutations of the Dodgers’ schedule.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The triggers for a crash likewise do not generally follow any obvious logic.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Roem and other critics of data center growth see a few obvious goals in Virginia if Spanberger wins — though the would-be governor has not climbed on board with all of them.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For more on the Las Vegas Raiders and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Phil Rinn was among those who felt the momentum needed to continue through a general strike, halting the flow of work and consumerism until substantial changes were made.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Visitors were welcome to drop by the asylum’s central building, where sweeping views were among the city’s best.
    Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • These storefronts will be smaller and more manageable than the sweeping layouts of previous Bed Bath & Beyond stores.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The various lineages of Ursuța’s work are unmistakable.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • While the murderous struggle is hard to hear in the video, the barking continued for several minutes and is unmistakable.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More than 60% of European companies cite regulation as an obstacle to investment, and most see it as their biggest challenge overall.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the same names in the hosting category were named in the overall talk show category this year as well, including The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show and Live with Kelly and Mark.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The beginning of the series had such deep ties to the death of Riley.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, in an age where anyone can turn themselves into content or media, self-producing their own persona, this theme hits even deeper than ever.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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