deep 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdēp How to pronounce deep (audio)
Definition of deepnext
1
as in profound
extending far downward lowered their bucket down a deep well the ax made a deep cut into the wood

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2
as in low
having a low musical pitch or range the tour guide had an impressively deep voice

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3
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain a deep, dark secret that he took to his grave

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4
as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand her poetry is now regarded as sentimental and not very deep

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5
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning one of those deep passages in the Bible that can be interpreted in any number of different ways

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6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect fell into a deep sleep after taking the potion

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7
as in inherent
firmly established over time a deep devotion to obtaining justice for all, even society's most disadvantaged

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8
as in extensive
having considerable extent an economist with a deep understanding of the forces that propel the global economy

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9
as in immersed
having the mind fixed on something I was so deep in the mystery novel that I didn't hear the doorbell

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10
as in away
not close in time or space an episode in her deep past that she had never spoken about, even to her husband

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deep

2 of 2

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

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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

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3
as in abyss
an immeasurable depth or space the belief that somewhere in the deep of outer space humankind will meet its ultimate destiny

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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

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
With over 28 pounds of drag and a deep spool, it’s made for techniques that require a heavy-duty reel and plenty of heavy line to go along with it. —Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2026 Ayala, who grew up in El Sereno and is married with two sons, has deep family roots in the United States Postal Service. —Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
Attempting that deep of a kick with a soggy field seemed like a dubious decision to begin with. —Mike Kaye updated January 3, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026 So if your holiday spending didn’t quite dig you into this deep of a hole, debt relief programs likely aren’t the best fit for you. —Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
  1. profound
  2. low
  3. mysterious
  4. esoteric
  5. ambiguous
  6. intense
  7. inherent
  8. extensive
Adjective
  • In Asia, some countries have been rationing fuel and restricting exports to cope with the profound shock to fuel supplies and to jet fuel in particular.
    — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The school, which operates at the former campus of George Miner Elementary on Lean Avenue, provides a specialized learning environment for children and young adults with profound autism.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Shop sets with short and sleeveless tops, shorts, and cropped pants, and even one with a duster, starting as low as $20.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This was, in part, because my family didn’t have a lot of money, and updating electronics was a low priority.
    — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of low
Adjective
  • Things are shaken up when a mysterious figure (Lee Pace) arrives in the sisters' quaint New England town with a new quest for them.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Adding to her woes, her Moroccan Jewish grandmother has just passed away, leaving her with only a family ring with mysterious powers.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • Our goal is to fix that by making sure every team wins at least one award this season, no matter how esoteric.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Even the more esoteric ingredients — such as arrowroot starch — can be found in big-box grocery stores.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of esoteric
Adjective
  • Bieber has had clashes with the paparazzi, and has sent ambiguous messages over social media hinting at his sorrow.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
  • While data centers represent tangible ways in which AI is changing our lives, the more abstract and ambiguous fears are coming to a boil, as well.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • No injuries were reported in the blaze and no structures were threatened, despite an extensive list of evacuation orders and warnings that were issued at the fire's most intense point.
    — Zach Boetto, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Combining creatine with electrolytes may improve hydration and exercise performance, especially during intense or prolonged workouts.
    — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • Now, there is an inherent structure in movies.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Endorsing a successor before the primary carries inherent risk and perhaps more so for Newsom, who is positioning himself as a potential leading candidate in the 2028 presidential contest.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of inherent
Adjective
  • But the damage to residential property was extensive in this pocket of southern Rochester.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Safety and driver assistance Acura equips the MDX Type S Advance with an extensive suite of safety technology under the AcuraWatch 360 system.
    — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of extensive

Phrases Containing deep

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deems
deep
deepen
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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deep

Nglish: Translation of deep for Spanish Speakers

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