Synonyms of broad

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd 

1

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across

an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wide
• thick
• extensive
• expansive
• sweeping
• fat
• spacious
• sizable
• substantial
• voluminous
• commodious
• roomy
• tidy
• oversize
• outsize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• narrow
• thin
• slender
• skinny
• slim
• fine
• hairlike
• needlelike
• tight
• elongate
• close
• paper-thin
• small
• squeezed
• tightened
• constricted
• condensed
• compressed
• slim-jim
• reedlike
• hairline
• contracted
• attenuated
• smallish
• undersized
• bottleneck
• attenuate

2

as in extensive

having considerable extent

her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wide
• extensive
• sweeping
• deep
• extended
• expansive
• comprehensive
• widespread
• general
• wide-ranging
• far-reaching
• rangy
• far-flung
• inclusive
• global
• infinite
• endless
• unlimited
• boundless
• limitless
• spacious
• roomy
• commodious
• capacious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• narrow
• limited
• restricted
• circumscribed

3

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation

gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obvious
• unmistakable
• apparent
• evident
• clear
• straightforward
• distinct
• unambiguous
• transparent
• simple
• visible
• lucid
• unequivocal
• plain
• luminous
• clear-cut
• bright-line
• decided
• manifest
• perspicuous
• crystal clear
• ringing
• patent
• bald
• pellucid
• palpable
• comprehensible
• explicit
• barefaced
• unambivalent
• noticeable
• open-and-shut
• intelligible
• tangible
• understandable
• nonambiguous
• luculent
• bald-faced
• recognizable
• appreciable
• digestible
• uncomplicated
• sensible
• knowable
• cognizable
• tidy
• discernible
• observable
• overt
• clean-cut
• perceptible
• undisguised
• graspable
• fathomable
• trenchant
• comprehendible
• well-defined
• self-evident
• self-explanatory
• black-and-white
• readable
• legible
• cognoscible
• clean
• decipherable
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ambiguous
• dark
• obscure
• indistinct
• mysterious
• unclear
• enigmatic
• equivocal
• cryptic
• clouded
• incomprehensible
• unintelligible
• unfathomable
• vague
• unknowable
• indecipherable
• gray
• subtle
• nebulous
• imperceptible
• nonobvious
• indefinite
• unapparent
• indeterminate
• imprecise
• unclarified
• slippery
• hazy
• inappreciable
• impalpable
• sketchy
• misty
• murky
• obfuscated
• insensible
• cloudy
• noncommittal
• gauzy
• indiscernible
• illegible
• unreadable
• undecipherable

4

as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details

a broad overview of the topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• general
• overall
• comprehensive
• wide
• vague
• nonspecific
• extensive
• vast
• expansive
• bird's-eye
• inclusive
• sweeping
• panoramic
• infinite
• all-around
• boundless
• nebulous
• indeterminate
• nondescript
• unspecified
• absolute
• unlimited
• unrestricted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• specific
• detailed
• limited
• molecular
• distinct
• restricted
• full
• comprehensive
• explicit
• precise
• sharp
• specified
• particularized
• thorough
• elaborate
• delineated
• individual
• particular
• close-up
• singular
• peculiar
• itemized
• enumerated
• listed
• mapped (out)
• inventoried

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

Recent Examples of broad

The fears, especially about the language on immigration and citizenship, were amplified by the broader political climate, said Usha Haley, a professor of international business and management at Wichita State University. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026

The money must be invested in a fund that tracks the broader stock market and it can't be withdrawn until the child turns 18. —Selina Wang, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026

Fiddelke also signed the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s letter calling for broader de-escalation, which got support from the Business Roundtable, a lobbying group of CEOs from more than 200 companies. —Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Serious headwinds in the housing market and the broader economy are tanking home sales at an alarming rate. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026