BROAD Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 trend is part of the broader nationalization of American politics, which has steadily eroded the independence candidates once enjoyed from their political parties. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026 The original 1974 cabin remains today, and is now part of an amazing complex that grew along with Roebbelen’s career, his family and the broader landholding. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Sara Amundson, president of the Humane World Action Fund, called wolves a scapegoat for broader challenges facing ranchers. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 After languishing in the early part of the year amid broader fears of AI disruption, the stocks have roared back. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

OpenAI’s recent proof, for instance, has yet to receive verification from the wider mathematical community.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
Washington did grow, and for years tourists and residents flocked to the Capitol’s wide terrace overlooking the National Mall, especially at sunset.

— Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

For all his obvious qualities in attack, Ruiz also praises Kvaratskhelia’s defensive work.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Jacob Klein, Anthropic’s head of threat intelligence, told The New York Times that the situation rarely involves obvious declarations of malicious intent.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

The widespread belief was Clippers general manager Trent Redden would fill that role, but the team has not publicly revealed its plans.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
That equation represents a much more general concept that can be applied to all sorts of figures and spatial dimensions.

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

But even with its new foundation and sweeping ceiling, the history of the old, deteriorating barn won’t be lost.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
New York City just instituted a sweeping ban on schools using AI in the classroom through the start of high school, along with other restrictions on the technology.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

If brand copy should be taken with a gallon of Morton, Elsesser’s duality is unmistakable.

— Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
There are plenty of dishes unique to Palm Beach, too—crudos, handmade pastas, lobster salad, and a particularly tempting dessert list—but the Riviera influence is unmistakable.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

Granted, Pollard needs only 1,083 yards to achieve a career high, but the Titans would like to get Tyjae Spears more involved and the overall quality of this offense remains a large question mark.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Coming to the overall standings, while Mercedes managed to take a significant early lead with five successive wins for local boy Kimi Antonelli, McLaren and Ferrari have been closing in on the gap with some decent performances of late.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of overall

Adjective

Many athletes are motivated by a deep hatred of losing, more so than a love of winning.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
There’s also a deep respect for craftsmanship—from marble carving, for which the Cyclades are famous, to fishing, farming, and handmade work.

— Chadner Navarro, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of deep

Cite this Entry

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“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of broad

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