deep 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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

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
  • Motherhood is one of the most profound political and spiritual acts available to us to affect society.
    Kelsey Reinhardt, National Review, 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
  • That high prices foretell lower prices rates more discussion as Republicans and conservatives rush to anoint former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chairman.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • That's why the ratings, the approval numbers of the media are so low.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Before beginning the actual development work on a new construction software platform, technology providers must take the esoteric concept of empathy and put it into practice.
    Michael Pink, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Science research can be esoteric; saving someone's body or mind is not.
    Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 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
  • In the game, the station is in the bright sunlight, and the subway tunnel experience takes a lot longer, and isn’t quite as intense.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • And, George, Elon Musk told reporters this week it's been a very intense 100 days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Google got in early with its extensive Pixel 9 discount, Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S25 Edge with a money-off promotion, and now the iPhone 16 has joined in with price cuts across all models of the 2024 Apple phone.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!