spread 1 of 2

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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
That youthful energy was apparent Tuesday evening, as both cautiously optimistic canvassers and ecstatic supporters lined the streets of central Brooklyn, creating a party-like atmosphere that spread from poll sites into the surrounding neighborhoods. Anthony Izaguirre The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025 Formed in Los Angeles, the gang has grown into a transnational criminal organization with tens of thousands of members spread across the United States, Mexico and Central America. Martha McHardy Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
The project traces the martial art’s global spread to over 80 countries. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 June 2025 Turns out the buyers were the same married Chinese billionaires who, just a few months earlier, had dropped another $55 million on reality TV personalities Terry and Heather Dubrow’s equally opulent spread in Southern California’s ritzy Newport Coast neighborhood. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
  • That meant disseminating the pertinent information got to the right people more quickly and efficiently as the draft process unfolded.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 27 June 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.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The judge also ordered the parties to address whether and how the Supreme Court's recent ruling limiting universal injunctions should apply to her order.
    Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Instead, apply a clean dressing over the eye and go to the hospital immediately.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Using a fan or air conditioning to circulate air will also support heat transfer from your body and help prevent night sweats, according to Gradisar. 2.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • At the time of analysis, the full collection is not circulating on dark-web markets or forums, and there is no credible evidence that it is being offered for sale.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The thalamus acts as a control center and transmits sensory signals to various areas of the cerebral cortex.
    Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
  • West Nile is often transmitted from the Culex house mosquito, a medium-sized mosquito that is typically brown in color.
    Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • As the clock struck five on Saturday evening, the clouds over Lake Montauk parted and the sun beamed down—just in time for Loro Piana’s chic cocktail gathering at the Crow’s Nest.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 30 June 2025
  • To compliment the blue cotton candy tones of the ensemble, Rihanna wore her hair in a sweet half-up do, leaving out face-framing sections that were parted down the middle and swept towards her ears.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Speakers said recent actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials had provoked increasing concern over the safety of local residents attending the Club World Cup games this summer at Hard Rock Stadium.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • Establishing a medical school here is expected to increase the likelihood of graduates practicing in the area, while addressing a national shortage of physicians.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Less formal decorating styles, as well as lighter-weight and less valuable tapestries, can take a more casual approach; mounting ideas include attaching curtain rings, draping over rods, and hanging from a dowel or banner hanger or quilt hangers.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
  • This sale includes quilts, sheet sets, and down-alternative comforters that are ideal for all seasons.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The ridiculousness of the baby’s involvement in the game becomes even more stark at the candlelit dinner that night.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The weekend is by no means over, but one extremely private ultra-Venetian venue has been thoroughly and seamlessly enjoyed, on June 26, with a dinner for the couple and their guests at the immense and immensely luxurious Palazzo Brandolini, presiding over the south bank of the Grand Canal.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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