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deep

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noun

1
as in midst
the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in sea
the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deep different from other adjectives like it?

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 deep
Adjective
Consider that Kentucky bluegrass generally has roots that are around 6-10 inches deep. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 9 May 2025 The dispute over who initiated the talks reflects deeper challenges: neither side wants to appear weak. Nik Popli, Time, 9 May 2025
Noun
After inspecting the area, Jumper discovered the sounds came from a dog trapped in a 12-foot-deep well underneath the house. Rachel McRady, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Two teenagers were rescued after they were caught unprepared — and waist-deep in snow — while hiking in the New Hampshire mountains. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • Linda Moody describes her devotion to her late husband as a combination of profound love and pragmatism.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • In a world where digital interactions often overshadow genuine connections, the profound bond of friendship becomes, more than ever, an indispensable anchor. ...
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Abarth is low cost, high return and should be encouraged.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Still the newcomers flood in, attracted by the climate, lake and lower cost of living than other parts of the country.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The family adventure show is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as deception, crimnastics, forgery and infiltration.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Dipping in and out of this book over a few months might inspire a new reverence for the mysterious human body.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, the tales of game-making can veer into the obscure and esoteric.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Baseball is a game with a history of strange and esoteric firsts, and Misner’s homer was the first time a player’s inaugural big league homer was an opening day walk-off.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While critical thinking is invaluable, the tendency to fixate on ambiguous data points—many of which pertain to uncontrollable external factors—can lead to unnecessary stress.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The two were previously involved in a morally ambiguous mission gone wrong, which led to Vincent murdering an undercover cop.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Losing someone the caliber of Soto’s track record stung the Yankees and certainly their fans based on the reaction of an intense Subway Series.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • But Trump couldn't get the change included in his 2017 economic legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, amid an intense lobbying campaign from the industry and some GOP lawmakers to protect the break.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Law enforcement and Suzanne’s brother, Andrew Moorman, led extensive searches but were unable to find her.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Design That Adapts to Real Life Unlike traditional central systems, mini split air conditioning does not require extensive ductwork or invasive installation.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Much of the talk heading into Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt last month was about how the north Londoners, needing an away win to progress, would cope with the unique atmosphere at the Deutsche Bank Park.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 8 May 2025
  • In both their series against Pumas and Monterrey, the Whitecaps tied the first leg at home, then scored in extra time to tie the second leg and advance on away goals.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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