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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 The federal government is also tightening its wallet, unleashing a broad cancellation of federal funding of foreign aid and other programs, especially those that highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion. Solcyré Burga, Time, 23 May 2025 Following the high-level talks in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this month, both sides issued a rare joint statement to temporarily lower most tariffs on each other’s goods, while working toward a broader agreement. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 May 2025 Guanipa was detained as part of a broader operation that, according to Cabello, has led to the arrest of 38 individuals, including 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 Malibu built a sewer before, but only after regional water quality officials prohibited long-term use of septic systems in a broad area centered on the Civic Center. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • House Speaker Matt Ritter, a Hartford Democrat who controls the agenda, keeps a close eye on the clock in the final days as numerous lawmakers want their bills on a wide variety of issues to pass in a scramble before the midnight adjournment.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
  • Homelessness among veterans, young people and families was down by wide margins.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Right whales are identified by individual markings on their heads and bodies, with extensive photo catalogues managed by the New England Aquarium.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Drawing from her extensive experience in content development for award-winning productions and emergent networks, Luisa will guide participants through the end-to-end process of production, from concept development to distribution.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lesson is obvious for investors: always consider control systems.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • That was all too obvious within minutes of his final home game of the season coming to an end on Friday night.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The country’s powerful military is run by the general Asim Munir, known for his hardline stance on India.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • The Teen Philanthropy Network’s grant will help support the center’s general operations, including after-school tutoring and a summer camp.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Paging Stevie Young and his steady, sweeping right arm.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Elle Fanning wore a custom Chanel dress in a pale blue silke crepe with a sweeping tulle skirt cinched with a black bow at the waist, completed with Cartier jewels.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.
    Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Copper is utilized in electric vehicles, as well as solar and wind infrastructure, and overall electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The city also ranked highly in a number of individual metrics that contributed to its overall score, including No. 1 for its low crime rate.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Simone is damaged and buoyant simultaneously, and the young actress shows a deep maturity in the portrayal of the character's complex mental and emotional state.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Nevertheless, the play highlighted three under-the-radar players who have been critical for this Panthers team on their latest deep playoff run.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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