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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
Nevertheless, the play highlighted three under-the-radar players who have been critical for this Panthers team on their latest deep playoff run. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025 But according to recent discoveries made at volcanoes in Hawai’i, trace amounts of some of those coveted metals are seeping up from the planet’s deepest reaches. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
Noun
In time’s deeps, everything begins to engulf us, red galaxies winking from the end. Julie Swarstad Johnson, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • These individuals typically struggle to delegate or seek support, which can result in a profound sense of isolation.
    Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Irsay, a Lincolnwood native who attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, had a profound impact on the Colts franchise.
    Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Abarth is low cost, high return and should be encouraged.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Still the newcomers flood in, attracted by the climate, lake and lower cost of living than other parts of the country.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Carlton Reid Based on 20 years of observations by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, new research sheds light on one of the solar system’s most mysterious planets.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 27 May 2025
  • Denim shifts toward a mysterious direction in Blooming Darkness.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, the tales of game-making can veer into the obscure and esoteric.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Baseball is a game with a history of strange and esoteric firsts, and Misner’s homer was the first time a player’s inaugural big league homer was an opening day walk-off.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • That evening, there was intense fighting between the Army and the R.S.F, but Wanis slipped outside anyway.
    Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Biden's physical and mental fitness has been the subject of intense scrutiny during and since his time in office, with questions about the former president's age and well-being ultimately forcing him to abandon his 2024 reelection bid.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Right whales are identified by individual markings on their heads and bodies, with extensive photo catalogues managed by the New England Aquarium.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Drawing from her extensive experience in content development for award-winning productions and emergent networks, Luisa will guide participants through the end-to-end process of production, from concept development to distribution.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is no better experience than spending the day at your favorite team's stadium or even hitting the road to watch the squad play in one of the many iconic away stadiums across the league.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • Prior to Monday’s report, the Commanders had been a team rumored to be the away team against the Dolphins.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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