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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
Despite being in the red zone before the Sanders fumble and having a chance to convert deep shots late, the Cowboys ultimately could not get into plus-territory to get on the scoreboard. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025 One patient, Sahar Manour, drove from Pembroke Pines to get x-rays and a deep cleaning, all in the same day. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Rick Carlisle routinely stretches his rotation to 11 deep. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 New York gave Boston trouble by switching throughout the first two games, rather than playing in this deep of a drop. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • This is a period of profound adjustment for everyone at the club, to put it mildly.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But their journey involves profound moments with their past and future, examining how the Mi’kmaw people, Indigenous to Nova Scotia, relate to the land and to each other.
    William Earl, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In an effort to help the group retrieve it, Guy encounters William Fitchner’s Jasper, a mysterious American who has quietly assumed control and influence over the Talamasca’s London Motherhouse.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Released in 2004, the film follows Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, who finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, tenure, even in the best schools, gets rewarded to professors who write articles filled with complex math or esoteric theories in sociology and psychology.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • While the syntax of esoteric languages may be hard to understand, the actual programming stack is often wonderfully simple.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first three episodes currently streaming on Paramount+ reveal that the Tiva dynamic remains as ambiguous as ever.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The term has become both expansive and ambiguous.
    Lauren Buitta, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Both require intense concentration, in order to be any good, and diligent practice, and both make use of imagination—which in tennis takes the form of anticipation—and creativity.
    Thomas Swick September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The name Myself Embodied is deeply rooted in those practices, embodiment, awareness, and freedom.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2025
  • That show was really kind of rooted in that, and that was in 2023.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • To bring this vision to life, Everton turned to Populous, the sports and entertainment design firm whose extensive back catalogue includes the likes of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley and The Sphere in Las Vegas.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Prosecutors in this case showed extensive communications between mother and son, illustrating their close relationship and how Donna kept track of things for Charles, who in turn solved all kinds of problems for her.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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