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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
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025 Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for both marine life and Attenborough’s extraordinary body of work. Audiofile Magazine june 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Noun
How To Plant Zinnias Sow seeds in garden beds or containers about 6 inches apart and 1/4-inch deep, just lightly covering the seeds with soil. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025 Seattle now needs another speedy receiver to replace Metcalf’s ability to threaten the defense deep, which often created opportunities for teammates to make plays. Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • There’s a huge sense of deep and profound peace and renewal.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • The ripple effect in the state economy could be profound, Anthony said.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Al Bello/Getty Images Outside of the Giants' organization, expectations are low.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Does the Trump administration really want to sink that low?
    Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, Yamagata is a long way to go just to peep some jellyfish, so combine a visit with the misty temples of nearby Dewa Sanzan, three mountains sacred to the ascetics of the esoteric Shugendo religion.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • They: • Invest not just in systems, but in states • Optimize not just for growth, but for resonance • Scale not from stress, but from coherence This isn’t esoteric.
    Carrie Anne Yu, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • There were times when the twin drama got too intense.
    Maris Kreizman, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • Drilling defense: Every day at practice, the Broncos execute intense, one-on-one, full-court defensive slide drills.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • No Ju-han—Netflix If the VIPs were Season 1’s sour note, then in Season 2, slow-moving side plots set among the guards and the search party looking for Squid Game Island provided less jarring but more extensive distractions from the main event.
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025
  • To drink, tableside martini service, an extensive wine list, and full bar, of course.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The new away jerseys were inspired by the team’s 2022 Winter Classic look, but the cream base has been replaced by a sharp white.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • And nearly every game for the European teams is like an away game.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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