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
Kate Wong,
Scientific American,
22 June 2026
Founded in 1989 by Dominican immigrant Eligio Peña in the village of Freeport on New York’s Long Island, the grocery store chain eventually spread into seven states from Rhode Island to New Jersey and all the way down to North Carolina, where there are eight locations in Charlotte alone.
—
Andre James,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
However, Indy covered the spread twice, and Caitlin Clark didn't play in any of those games.
—
Geoff Clark Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
The rare but increasingly prevalent Powassan virus, spread mainly by the black-legged tick, can reach the brain and cause encephalitis.
—
Kate Wong,
Scientific American,
22 June 2026
Founded in 1989 by Dominican immigrant Eligio Peña in the village of Freeport on New York’s Long Island, the grocery store chain eventually spread into seven states from Rhode Island to New Jersey and all the way down to North Carolina, where there are eight locations in Charlotte alone.
—
Andre James,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
Noun
The spread happened for a few reasons, Scott said.
—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
However, Indy covered the spread twice, and Caitlin Clark didn't play in any of those games.
—
Geoff Clark Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
-
The infection progressed into sepsis, then disseminated intravascular coagulation, followed by hours of hemorrhagic shock.
-
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.
Verb
-
Neel said many community members have made preparations in anticipation of the ruling, including applying for asylum.
-
An economist that the city hired estimates that the tax increase will add $500 to $650 annually in taxes for the average family of four, despite the sales tax not being applied to groceries or medical supplies.
Verb
-
That same night, screenshots of her using slurs in videos and in messages were circulating online, per USA Today.
-
Panic inside buildings Videos circulating on social media showed people rushing out of buildings in the capital, while some users reported partial collapses and damage to structures.
Verb
-
The system processes pilot inputs through computers and transmits electrical signals to flight controls, improving safety, reliability, maneuverability, and reducing aircraft weight by removing mechanical linkages.
-
While bedbugs are not known to spread or transmit disease, the Environmental Protection Agency considers the parasitic insects a pest that can cause other public health issues such as allergic reactions, secondary infections and mental health impacts on those living in infested homes.
Verb
-
The move also comes on the same day Angel City parted ways with head coach Alexander Strauss and traded rising star Kennedy Fuller to Bay FC.
-
Instead of seeing that through, Sorsby put the controversy of him playing in 2026 to bed by parting ways with Texas Tech and entering the supplemental draft.
Verb
-
Your visibility increases with the start of Cancer season.
-
Health officials said the risk of exposure could increase as summer travel ramps up and Los Angeles welcomes international visitors for FIFA World Cup events being held in the region.
Noun
-
The Bee previously reported that attendees will be able to create quilt squares to form a community quilt that will later be presented to the Placer County Board of Supervisors.
-
Even the smallest patch of green helps connect us to the larger ecological quilt.
Noun
-
The actress wore a striped T-shirt, one of her go-tos, and trousers with a bright blue bag for a simple outfit that can easily be reworn for sightseeing or dinner.
-
The relaxed tank and flowy wide-leg pants are comfortable enough for a long flight but still look put-together for sightseeing, lunch, or dinner.
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
