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
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed
bought a brightly colored spread for summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
The former first overall draft pick spread the ball around and put together a highlight reel to be proud of.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2025
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025
The dye will help track the location and spread of the sodium hydroxide once released into the ocean, and the vessel’s wake will help mix the solution in with the ocean water.
—ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
Blazes have spread across southern Europe in recent days.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
The former first overall draft pick spread the ball around and put together a highlight reel to be proud of.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
Situated on just over two acres, the spread comprises a main residence, a pool and pool house, and idyllic gardens with a whimsical stone moon gate.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025
The dye will help track the location and spread of the sodium hydroxide once released into the ocean, and the vessel’s wake will help mix the solution in with the ocean water.
—ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
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, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.—
Tony Zhang,
CNBC,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Plus, while a bipartisan House group reviews and approves materials, the rules on franking allow representatives to disseminate political critiques and messages that can sometimes appear like campaign ads.—
Brittany Carloni,
IndyStar,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bigger And Better Since this isn’t the first go-around for the collaboration, Lindsey and Chelsea were able to apply a lot of learnings to this second collection.—
Sarah Boyd,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
In the meantime, officials are operating on two distinct sets of guidance: rules that apply to grants awarded to scientists in states subject to the recent court order, and Trump administration guidance that still holds everywhere else.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Then finally, last month, reports of Chappell filming a new music video in New York began to circulate, followed by an official announcement weeks later that the song would finally arrive on the evening of Thursday, July 31, with an official video to follow Friday morning.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
6 Aug. 2025
-
As images of starving children in Gaza continue to circulate and the international outcry grows louder, a number of American rabbis used their pulpits to speak up about the humanitarian crisis, some with sorrow, others with moral urgency, and many with a sense that silence was no longer tenable.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The term spectrum rights refers to using part of the radio frequency spectrum for transmitting data to and from space.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Somehow, somewhere during that cultural revolution, language appeared as another means, a very effective means, of transmitting cultural knowledge.—
Madeleine Beekman
August 11,
Literary Hub,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Simply part your hair in sections, shake the bottle, and apply it directly to the scalp before shampooing.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
1 Aug. 2025
-
True to form, the mayor expounds at length on various and sundry ways to part people and businesses from their money and does little but nod briefly and generally to reducing the cost of government.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
Trump also targeted Walmart after the retailer warned its prices would increase to absorb the cost of his tariffs.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
The addition of more NFL programming increases the value.—
Joe Reedy,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Materials for the quilts are donated, purchased by members or bought with the guild's budget.—
Hannah Pinski,
The Courier-Journal,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The quilt’s hypoallergenic microfiber material is cozy, easy to care for, and durable.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Azamara’s overnights and late stays mean unhurried exploration, local dinners off the ship, and nighttime activities in town.—
Jill Schildhouse,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Planning dinner, a class party or a thoughtful email to your child’s teacher?—
Alena Conley,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share