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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 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
  • As for the chair itself, the deep, wide seat is comfortable enough to sit in for hours.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • But if there’s an old-world atmosphere here, the amenities are also firmly up to date: there’s a surprisingly extensive list of complimentary activities on offer, from pasta-making classes to painting lessons.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • Miller, who had written only a brief outline at this point, wanted to visualize the film and effectively created an extensive graphic novel in the process.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 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
  • The Contour Face is fabulous for those interested in general regeneration or alleviating signs of aging, but those with acne-prone skin should consider its Clear mask which utilizes blue light, clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Performance Trade-Offs: Real-time applications face inherent constraints due to the computational overhead of symbolic reasoning, knowledge graph traversal and the general reduction in inference speeds compared to pure neural approaches.
    Anuradha Weeraman, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • The high-level meetings took place amid regional unease over U.S. policies — especially Trump’s threats to impose sweeping new tariffs on both allies and adversaries.
    Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • In fact, while rare overall, turmeric appears to have become the most common herbal cause of liver injuries in the US.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • Major Mistakes Around Culture And Values In M&A Deals • Ignoring or underestimating inaccurate rumors and gossip—these are highly detrimental to overall organizational and individual morale.
    Ashutosh Labroo, Forbes.com, 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
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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