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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 This deal also reflects our broader commitment to supporting local broadcasters across Europe, including our recent collaboration in the UK with ITVX and ZDF in Germany. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025 The question facing Federal Reserve policymakers, who will meet next week, is whether the employment numbers presages a broader slump. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 The high court paused a federal judge’s prior order blocking DOGE from immediately getting broad access to the data. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025 The specific geographical nature of spirits, like American whiskey only being able to be made in America and Scotch only being able to come from Scotland, must be considered when negotiating broad trade deals, Swonger said. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • Fortunately, Amazon just dropped new fall fashion items that are comfy and packable, including wide-leg jeans for travel, cardigan sweaters, and more.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Developed by AeroVironment, the 20kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) identifies, tracks, and engages a wide variety of targets with hard-kill high energy laser.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To bring this vision to life, Everton turned to Populous, the sports and entertainment design firm whose extensive back catalogue includes the likes of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley and The Sphere in Las Vegas.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Prosecutors in this case showed extensive communications between mother and son, illustrating their close relationship and how Donna kept track of things for Charles, who in turn solved all kinds of problems for her.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • All of which raises an obvious question.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • How Often To Clean Linoleum Floors For general cleaning, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends removing dust and debris in high-traffic areas daily using a dry microfiber mop.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Remember to label, date, and mark each soil sample with the general location where it was collected.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There are no hard and fast rules regarding the frequency of sweeping, as the floor care needs of each home depend on several different factors.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside this, large-scale genetic studies have revealed sweeping changes in the human brain that are not seen in other mammals.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the magnitude of the moment is unmistakable.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the bands' sound.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rookie Ashton Gillotte provided some juice in his limited snaps, but that wasn’t nearly enough to make up for an overall disappointing night for the defensive line.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Here, these dishes are prepared with less sauce (not a bad thing) and overall salt than at Taipei South, despite having the same ownership.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • White oak White oak is a large shade tree displays deep red to coppery-brown fall color.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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