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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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

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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

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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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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

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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
In Sparks of Hope, Mario and his friends join forces with their Rabbid counterparts to defeat an evil entity named Cursa, who wants to consume Sparks and spread a debilitating matter called Darkmess throughout the universe. George Yang, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 2026 Expect a packed schedule of screenings, concerts, exhibitions and networking events spread across downtown venues. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
Cooper and other officials are urging residents and growers to help stop the spread of the disease. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Smith and other fixers are accused of recruiting and bribing players to underperform in games so that their team failed to cover spreads. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 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.
    Jay Woods, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The Vaccine Integrity Project launched last year as a means for assessing and disseminating the best available evidence on vaccines.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • According to a Treasury Department license document, the authorization applies until April 11 and applies to Russian oil that was loaded onto vessels before March 12.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The timing is critical because fertilizers are applied early in the crop cycle and help determine yields later in the year.
    Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Photos of Tan circulated widely across social media, sparking the same kind of stunned reactions that continue to surface today with his 60th birthday.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Fans have been suspecting that a Pussycat Dolls reunion was imminent as early as December, when rumors circulated on social media that the group had signed with CAA.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Engineers have long struggled to efficiently transmit that light into the outside world.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Many individuals have few or no symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Her choppy layered hair, meanwhile, was worn straight and parted down the center.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Her hair was parted in the middle and pulled untidily into a bun at the back.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s increasing willingness to use overwhelming military force to pursue American interests abroad throws that calculus into question.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
  • City records from November show police planned to install six more cameras and increase lighting.
    Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Becky Cameron Lightweight All-Season Stripe Stitch Quilt Set Give your bed a makeover with this lightweight, easy-to-layer quilt from Becky Cameron.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The natural dye of the fabric gives this quilt character that can’t be found in modern prints and patterns.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • La Popular, on the other hand, is a dreamy open-air spot that serves lunch and dinner focused on more sustainable, local cuisine.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The group decided to attend the dinner but not post about it on social media.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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