spread 1 of 2

Definition of spreadnext
1
2
as in to apply
to put a layer of on a surface we spread the fertilizer over the lawn evenly until it was fully covered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to circulate
to become known once news of the war's end had spread, spontaneous celebrations broke out everywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
as in to part
to go or move in different directions from a central point the walls of the old barn spread under the weight of the snow on the roof

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

spread

2 of 2

noun

1
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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 spread
Verb
Cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and have spread across the border to Uganda. ABC News, 15 June 2026 So British officials spread the story that their pilots were eating large amounts of carrots to explain their sharp night vision, misleading the enemy into thinking diet, not technology, was behind the success. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026
Noun
How far west the heavy rain threat spreads is still uncertain, which could mean the difference between significant flashing flooding in Houston or not much impact at all. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 Certainly, nothing in credit spreads for financials shows any pressure whatsoever and that sector usually shows concerns first. Steve Liesman, CNBC, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
  • The spores can also be present in soil, which, if disturbed, disseminates the spores into the air.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Sacramento consistently ranks among the most diverse cities in the country, and that applies across all stripes.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • Least privilege, just-in-time access, session recording and zero standing privileges also apply directly to AI agents.
    Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Footage circulating on social media showed at least one egg being thrown in Wembanyama’s direction as security personnel escorted him into a New York City hotel.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
  • Exercises that target your ankles, calves, and quads—like calf raises, marches, and squats—can help circulate blood throughout your legs.
    RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • When the waves reflect back, the radar receives them and transmits data about the number, height, direction, and speed of aerial passersby.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The disease can also be transmitted to humans through ticks and deer flies.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Aguilera wore her platinum blond hair parted to the side and worn in soft curls and kept her makeup bright with sparkly eye shadows.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Hold each section of tinsel by the top strip, and part it down the middle.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The organization increased purses; lured in other investors; launched PGA Tour Enterprises, a new program that transformed players into equity holders; among other things.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Dec. 2025
  • These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Comforters and duvets are always an option, but there’s just something so appealing about covering up with a quilt.
    Brittany VanDerBill, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Our sons also made patches for the Tony’s square on the the AIDS quilt, which has since become the world's largest community art project, with over 110,000 names sewn into its myriad panels.
    Marion Winik, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • To round it out, the Lobby Lounge is ideal for a light bite or a pre- or post-dinner aperitif.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • The home has reportedly welcomed everyone from Bob Hope to Liza Minnelli, serving as the backdrop for countless dinners, performances, and gatherings connected to New York’s real estate, arts, and theater communities.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spread

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster