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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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
The original video has since been deleted, but not before the clip was re-uploaded and spread across social media. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026 After beginning treatment with daraxonrasib, Jim said a tumor in his liver that had spread from his pancreas shrank significantly. ABC News, 1 June 2026
Noun
In addition to limiting the spread of germs, keeping the toilet lid closed at all times is a good idea. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026 Conditions are becoming more favorable for its spread in the southern United States, particularly in Texas. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 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.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • The channels for packaging and disseminating information about the environmental and performance benefits of cotton apparel have evolved as well.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Zeinab Ahmad, 31, applied for bail in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on two slavery charges.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • Daniels said the sales tax surcharge will be applied to items not including fuel.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Cooling sheets help regulate body temperature by wicking away moisture and allowing air to circulate better.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
  • Rumors circulating on social media claim Ebola isn't real, or that aid workers are killing patients who enter clinics.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Bolton was initially also accused of illegally transmitting national defense information.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • There are more than 3,500 different species of mosquito, but just Aedes aegypti transmits most cases of dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
    Bay City News, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Lemieux had looked good just days before, walking through fans parting in the Bell Centre concourse.
    Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • The team parted ways with long-time manager Alex Cora a month ago, but things haven’t improved in the standings, and the team sits in last place in the American League East division.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Becerra’s support increased by 9 percentage points in a little more than two weeks when compared with the May 9-10 Emerson results.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • But even on a per-square-foot basis, the price has increased 33%.
    Allison Schrager, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • With over 16,000 perfect ratings and more than 3,200 five-star reviews, the lightweight quilt is deemed fit for summers in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and more.
    Euna Park, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2026
  • And in the primary bedroom, a Nickey Kehoe quilt exists in the same color family as the vintage rug but in a decidedly opposite pattern.
    Allison Duncan, Architectural Digest, 21 May 2026
Noun
  • The culinary experiences were highlights of the stay and absolutely worth reserving in advance, whether that’s for dinner at PUR’ or for the hotel’s recent addition of afternoon tea time, built around cookies.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • The 28-year-old reality star shared a series of photos from her girls trip to Turks & Caicos for her Kylie Cosmetics brand, sharing pictures of her and her girls at dinner, the beautiful table set up and multiples of her in a pink bikini.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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