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.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of spread
Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
These patches grow and spread over plant surfaces and produce root-like structures that penetrate plant cells to extract nutrients.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
The massive spread includes the substantial main residence set amid formal gardens, plus a working farm, extensive horse-racing facilities, swaths of woodland, and, a portfolio of 31 cottages, houses, and apartments spread across the estate for guests, staff and income generation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
There is a polite version of how new technology spreads, the version that assumes time for evaluation, debate, and gradual rollout.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
These patches grow and spread over plant surfaces and produce root-like structures that penetrate plant cells to extract nutrients.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
Noun
Popular glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight-loss drugs may help slow the spread of some cancers, according to new research to be presented at a major medical conference.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
The massive spread includes the substantial main residence set amid formal gardens, plus a working farm, extensive horse-racing facilities, swaths of woodland, and, a portfolio of 31 cottages, houses, and apartments spread across the estate for guests, staff and income generation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 May 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.—
Carter Braxton Worth,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
-
Apkarian found that the ads, which have been on the airwaves for more than 20 years, violated California’s false advertising law by disseminating public statements about the disposal of property — specifically vehicle donations — that were misleading by omission.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
-
Head coach Oliver Glasner has been the cause of a certain amount of friction too, but the same rules apply.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
San Diego still wants to build through pressure, circulate the ball, involve the goalkeeper and create superiority through the midfield.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Buzz about Halverson’s potential football career was circulating back in Fridley, too.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Plant viruses are transmitted by insects or dirty tools.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
The inclusion of physical devices, EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) transactions and semi-integrated point-of-sale systems expands where sensitive data is captured, processed and transmitted, introducing additional points of exposure across the payment flow.—
Ruston Miles,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
That drone morphs into a sea shanty–like melody, as if the clouds have parted and the waters calmed, giving you a stable place to stand after having to constantly adjust your footing.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
-
Read on for Eric Kripke’s parting thoughts on The Boys, all episodes of which are now available to stream on Prime Video.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Then gradually increase their time in the sun over the next week.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
The formula’s retinol, ginger, and citrus increase the production of both collagen and elastin and improve circulation, thus reducing puffiness and dark circles.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
And in the primary bedroom, a Nickey Kehoe quilt exists in the same color family as the vintage rug but in a decidedly opposite pattern.—
Allison Duncan,
Architectural Digest,
21 May 2026
-
Chapters, like quilt blocks, build on one another.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
On the other end, Anunoby pounces like a leopard on the hunt for dinner.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
The art happens in the margins between obligations, between the work day and the start of dinner, in the twenty minutes before the house wakes up.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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