1
as in to disseminate
to cause to be known over a considerable area or by many people
spread the news!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to transmit
to cause (something) to pass from one to another
living conditions that help to spread chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to increase
to become greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
dissatisfaction with the new administration is spreading rapidly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in dinner
a large fancy meal often accompanied by ceremony or entertainment
they really know how to put out a good spread
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in expansion
a wide space or area
a vast spread of land just waiting to be settled
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
a spread of nearly 100 miles between farms
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The zoonotic virus can spread between animals and people, mostly fruit bats and pigs, with mild to severe symptoms from fevers to brain infection and death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The wagering platform hopes to attract people to betting who don’t already spend their days thinking about odds and spreads by relying on a decidedly different kind of spokesperson for its Super Bowl ad.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
Dollop filling over; spread into an even layer.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The zoonotic virus can spread between animals and people, mostly fruit bats and pigs, with mild to severe symptoms from fevers to brain infection and death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Officials in India are enacting precautions to prevent further spread of the virus, with quarantine and surveillance measures in place.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The wagering platform hopes to attract people to betting who don’t already spend their days thinking about odds and spreads by relying on a decidedly different kind of spokesperson for its Super Bowl ad.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Jan. 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,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Now, groups of activists and bystanders have phones at the ready and can quickly disseminate video widely and across multiple platforms.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During vetting by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, refugees are required to show they were persecuted or face persecution in their home countries and, once in the US, must apply for green cards a year after admission.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The designation only applies to the sign, not the attached building, which houses Americana Pizza.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Two members of the Coordination Framework confirmed to The Associated Press having received the message, a copy of which was circulated widely on social media.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Hynde and Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne circulated Standing in the Doorway as nine revelatory installments of a Dylan Lockdown Series, and for her, too, the adventure originated in Rough and Rowdy Ways.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That’s because the fruit bats that transmit the virus — among the largest bats in the world — are native to these regions.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Just because interest in an element wanes, though, that doesn’t mean it can’t be revived — especially now that high-quality recordings can be produced to help transmit cultural knowledge to future generations.—
Kristin Houser,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Robbie wore her hair down, parted in the center and styled in loose curls that began around her jawline.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
29 Jan. 2026
-
To get even coverage, keep your lips still and slightly parted while your tint is drying.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Research shows more adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with incidence increasing over the last three decades.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
31 Jan. 2026
-
When applied to the scalp, minoxidil increases blood flow and stimulates your hair follicles to regrow hair.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And, according to the brand, the quilt will last for years thanks to its durable stitching and edge seams.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Patchwork meets jacquard in this cotton quilt from IKEA.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The dinner’s audience constituted a melting pot of society, with individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds, nationalities, ages, and ethnicities in attendance.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The rest of The Offices at Carson Station’s space is filled with 9-5 businesses, ensuring plenty of parking will be available dinner and late-night customers.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
