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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 Because of that relative safety and the fast growth of prediction market first-movers, there’s a broad trend of sports betting firms considering the CFTC path. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025 That was broad enough comedy, but highbrow shenanigans can leave people feeling left out. David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 Financial analysis of his bank accounts linked him to a broader network of resellers of IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services. Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 But Isaacman has also garnered broad support within the commercial space industry, where he’s perceived as an energetic outsider ready to usher NASA into a new era. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • Madani also said that the collapse of basic infrastructure could spark wider unrest.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This could make for an intriguing shootout between Maye and Baker Mayfield, who is playing the best ball of his career and has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers off to a 6-2 start despite rampant injuries along his offensive line and wide receiving unit.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The extensive archaeological study covered an area of over three-quarters of a mile.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His work has been so extensive, France’s minister of culture awarded him the prestigious Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres this year.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The single-minded obsession with Mamdani’s talk of affordability, while convenient for the mayor-elect and a vital part of his appeal, also misses an obvious point.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Could the Cavs tinker just a little more to take advantage of his efficiency and obvious talent, even when everyone else is healthy?
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Amir Mahmoud is a general assignment and transportation beat reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb said interim general manager Champ Kelly kept him and his agent Erik Burkhardt updated in the days before the trade deadline.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The sweeping romance set across three decades of passion, loss, and hope in Beirut stars Hassan Akil and Mounia Akl as Nino and Yasmina, star-crossed lovers bound by a magnetic relationship, one an eternal optimist and the other an impulsive pragmatist.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The lawsuits before the Supreme Court—brought by importers and small manufacturers—claim the president’s sweeping use of emergency powers violates congressional authority to tax and regulate trade.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, the bird became woven into Thanksgiving tradition and ultimately became the unmistakable symbol of the holiday.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The song became a global feminist anthem, and the video a touchstone for her unmistakable style.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While it's left some passengers making backup plans and reserving rental cars, the flights canceled Friday represented just a small portion of overall flights nationwide.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This approach enhances the adsorption of lithium polysulfides and accelerates their redox reactions, thereby mitigating the shuttle effect and improving overall kinetics.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Gjoshe had suffered a deep wound to his upper arm and had to wait until Tuesday for surgery.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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