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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 Daniels insisted the impact of the shutdown on air traffic controllers was not just insular and would continue to impact the aviation sector and broader American economy. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025 When preparing turnips, start by peeling the skin, cutting off the base root, and removing the celery-like stalks and broad leaves, if still attached. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025 But more recently — around Hollywood if not across the broader culture — Blumhouse has become synonymous with a different kind of cinematic bloodletting. Chris Lee, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025 While popular memory blames the era’s repressiveness on Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy—hence the moniker McCarthyism—the truth is the push was far broader. Time, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • Or for the wide swaths of empty seats in the upper deck that formed after the New York Giants put the game in a vice grip with a three-score lead late in the third quarter and put the Broncos on shutout watch.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Then, jump down to shop for more wide-leg sweatpants on sale at Amazon.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Schools, hospitals, as well as water and electricity infrastructure have all been devastated during the two-year war from Israel’s extensive military campaign on the Gaza Strip, Amr said.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2025
  • While his two-way role requires extensive off-field work to stay ready for both jobs, Ohtani had pitched in only two games over the past 30 days before Game 4, thanks to the permutations of the Dodgers’ schedule.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the severity of the storm soon became obvious.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • After curing the potatoes, pick through them once more and remove any potatoes with obvious signs of damage.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For more on the Las Vegas Raiders and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Phil Rinn was among those who felt the momentum needed to continue through a general strike, halting the flow of work and consumerism until substantial changes were made.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Perched on the exclusive Biscayne Point, the estate spans two lots and offers 150 feet of open bay frontage, sweeping water views, and the kind of privacy that makes celebrities and moguls swoon.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The foundation prevailed over Lund and other departing directors in its drive for immediate, sweeping changes on the board in support of new Chief Executive Officer Maziar Mike Doustdar’s strategy.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The production, the rhythm, the message and Langley’s unmistakable voice meld mightily to make this an irresistible track and further cement Langley as one of the genre’s brightest newcomers.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Analyzing over 20 million AI shopping agent conversations revealed an unmistakable pattern.
    Fayez Mohamood, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is a T+L favorite overall pick due to its four different plug types that are compatible with over 200 sockets worldwide and its ability to charge up to six devices at once.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In the three-way race that followed, Cuomo’s support climbed to 33 percent, indicating that many of Adams’ former voters migrated to him—while Mamdani’s overall numbers held steady.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jerami Grant came off the bench for 29 points, hitting 4-of-7 from deep, while Deni Avdija added 20 points and Shaedon Sharpe tossed in 15.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez deliberately aimed deep passes to both wings.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on broad

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