BROADNESSES Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad next

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

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

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as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

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as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Strike chronicles the 2013 hunger strike by 30,000 prisoners at Pelican Bay, a supermax prison notorious for its use of solitary confinement, highlighting the personal stories of the hunger strikers and the broader implications of their resistance. —

Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 The denim market, in particular, has spent the past year grappling with mounting cost and compliance pressures tied to Trump’s broader trade agenda, forcing the industry to rethink where and how products are made. —

Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026 The condition of public and private housing stock cannot be separated from the broader affordability debate. —

Darius Khalil Gordon, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026 The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Mexican authorities to tighten restrictions on smoking and vaping in public spaces. —

Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to have wide ramifications for the future of lawsuits against an administration’s attempt to end TPS for different countries.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026
Prediction markets allow users to bet on a wide range of real world outcomes, including geopolitical developments with seismic implications.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026