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
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, spreading democracy is a thread in American foreign policy.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Jan. 2026
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Or the economy could keep expanding at a healthy clip, while automation and the spread of artificial intelligence reduces the need for more jobs.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
Fires will catch and spread rapidly under these conditions.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, spreading democracy is a thread in American foreign policy.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
For example, a 1-ounce bar might have a premium of 2% to 5%, while larger bars like 10-ounce or kilo bars often feature even tighter spreads.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Or the economy could keep expanding at a healthy clip, while automation and the spread of artificial intelligence reduces the need for more jobs.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 9 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,
9 Jan. 2026
-
That really impacted the data that gets collected and then disseminated by the agencies, like the Labor Department.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This impressive deal only applies to the six-piece set, which includes five compression packing cubes and one drawstring bag in select colors.—
Emily Belfiore,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The two, a male and a female, were hospitalized with gunshot wounds after Portland police officers applied a tourniquet on scene.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Videos circulating on social media and verified by The New York Times show the shooting of a woman by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, as well as the moments immediately before and after.—
Devon Lum,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
-
While unconfirmed reports circulated that he may later have been released, those familiar with the situation said his removal from the chain of command was definitive.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Eventually, the Strategic Air Command amended the system to include a unique enable code that transmitted to the launch crew from a higher authority.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Years ago, the county posted results quickly as they were transmitted via modems in the tabulators.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The fringe is parted in the middle, falling naturally on both sides of her face without creating blunt or heavy lines.—
María Munsuri,
Glamour,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Would the two sides decide to part before the deadline?—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The committee approved Lucas’s amendment and approved the recommendation to increase funding for the temporary jail.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Best Bedding and Quilt Deals Winter’s harsh weather is no match for an extra cozy quilt or faux fur throw.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Choose one or two meaningful mementos to display, such as a quilt made by your great-grandmother.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Browse through our seven favorite pairs, below, to wear from weekend errands to casual dinners, with prices starting at $30.—
Michelle Rostamian,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Consider this your guide for planning weeknight dinners, date nights or after-work fare across the Des Moines metro.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share