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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
This singular focus on AI literacy misses a deeper truth: the real competitive edge in our algorithmic future won't come from understanding AI alone. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Regular exercise and stress-reducing practices like deep breathing and mindfulness may also help. Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 9 July 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
  • His lens bore witness to humanity's darkest injustices and most profound resilience.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • The Court also found that Russia was responsible for violating the right to life by shooting down flight MH17 and had added to the profound suffering of the crash victims’ next of kin by being uncooperative and obstructive in the context of international efforts to uncover the truth.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Because of its moisture needs, it is best planted near a body of water, such as a pond or streambed, or in low, damp spots.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Trim the lower branches of your hydrangea to allow air to circulate at ground level.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025
  • In The Old Guard 2, following on from the climax of the first film, Andy must come to terms with her newfound mortality while preparing to face a mysterious foe (played by Uma Thurman).
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • After Congress reversed course on accountability in 2015, results for everyone got worse, even as progressive jurisdictions started adopting increasingly esoteric equity strategies.
    Matthew Yglesias, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • In fact, she was designed to be ethnically ambiguous for that reason, suggested Carlos Cortés, professor emeritus in history at UC Riverside, who consulted the creative team.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • Emojis in texts: More than just fun, a tool for connection While emojis can sometimes be ambiguous or misunderstood, especially in sarcastic or complex conversations, their overall impact is positive.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Anybody who thought Messi would rest after the intense international tournament does not know Messi.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
  • During the 1995 heat wave, many of the casualties were seniors who didn’t have family or neighbors to check in on them, especially those living in high-rise buildings where the heat was particularly intense.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Melvin Doyle, meanwhile, has an extensive criminal record dating back to his late teens.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Miller, who had written only a brief outline at this point, wanted to visualize the film and effectively created an extensive graphic novel in the process.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Bananas play their home games and most of their away games against the Party Animals, similar to the relationship between the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • There’s often something quite nice about home and away kits that mirror each other, the same design but with the colours reversed.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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