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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
As well as their three strikes, Dortmund had the ball in the back of the net twice more after Pascal Gross and Julian Brandt made deep runs behind Barcelona’s defensive line to race through on goal. Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Sometimes an extended makeup routine is also a form of self-care for me: Taking my sweet time getting a cut-crease just right or layering on a new lip combination provides me with a sense of deep satisfaction. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
Set an end of the potato about one-third deep in the water and place the container in a high light or sunny location. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 This art form is performed by skilled artisans, maneuvering puppets while waist-deep in water, and was a cornerstone of royal entertainment going back hundreds of years. Richard Quest, CNN, 6 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • This signals a profound reshaping of executive leadership.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Often, the impact of a group of like-minded people is more profound, more lasting, and more important than that of an individual.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their recruitment model is heavily dependent on identifying and developing young talent — often at low cost by Premier League spending standards — from all over the world.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The evening is expected to be mostly clear with a low around 52.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • She's just been visited by a mysterious mate named Donnie, who claims to be a friend of Harry's.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Advocating for biological men in women’s locker rooms, while rooted in inclusivity, often feels esoteric to the typical voter.
    Nafees Alam, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Fertility data used to be a fairly esoteric concern.
    Noel King, Vox, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the scene itself could be read as a little ambiguous, too: is Sammie trying to pierce the veil again, playing a song that could both foster community but also bring back the vampires?
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As the days turned into weeks, the reality of her situation remained ambiguous.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When the Cowboy Carter tour kicks off tonight, the audience, some of whom are already lined up outside the stadium, will be the first to hear selections from the extensive album track list live.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
  • His extensive pitch repertoire and his stuff haven’t been an issue.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • At the final whistle, a goal by Akpom having sealed a 2-0 win for the away side, Bentaleb’s team-mates and members of the Lille coaching staff flocked towards him one by one.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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