spread 1 of 2

Definition of spreadnext
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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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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

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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
His followers spread his rhetoric to millions of homes and classrooms. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The problem has been spreading for fans who had their ESTA applications approved even months ago. Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Noun
The fire was moving at a moderate rate of spread and was threatening structures, authorities added. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 The resolution was proposed by Democratic Commissioner Alisa Simmons to celebrate the organization’s three decades of work to stop the spread of HIV and other transmissible diseases. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 10 June 2026
  • Last month, Superior Court Judge Gassia Apkarian found that the ads violated California’s false advertising law by disseminating public statements about the disposal of property — specifically vehicle donations — that were misleading by omission.
    Francie Ebert, NBC news, 6 June 2026
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
  • Organizations are just choosing not to apply them when speed is on the line.
    Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • The former Soul Gastrolounge space has been vacant for nearly four years, and while rumors have recently circulated online about possible new tenants, including mentions of a fast-casual chain or even a mattress store, there’s no confirmation that any of them are legitimate.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 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
  • SpaceX increasingly resembles an infrastructure company and some investors see a future built on Starlink, but also on orbital data centers and even solar power transmitted wirelessly to Earth from space.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • After the four-hour camp in heat that exceeded 95 degrees in the late afternoon, Pickens left his young fans with a parting message.
    Nick Harris June 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
  • To recreate the look, begin by applying styling gel to your hair and then part it in the middle.
    Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Baird added that interest in luxury homes has increased recently among SpaceX's mid-30s to early-40s employee base, according to California real estate agents.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 June 2026
  • Be careful when riding back downtown on a bike, as the hill notoriously increases cycling speed.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Stay cool all summer long with this breathable cotton quilt from Eddie Bauer.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
  • The last in her four-photo story pictured herself under a quilt, flanked by her two snoozing dogs.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • For pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, a table on the terrace at Le 300 is in high demand.
    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

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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