spread 1 of 3

1
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

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3
as in to circulate
to become known once news of the war's end had spread, spontaneous celebrations broke out everywhere

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4
5
as in to divide
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

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6

spread

2 of 3

noun

1
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

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2
3
4
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

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5

spread (out)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area let's spread the puzzle out on the floor and see what we've got

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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
Verb
The Gleason grading system, or Gleason score -- which usually ranges from 6 to 10 -- refers to how likely the cancer is to advance and spread, but does not predict the outcome. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 19 May 2025 Manhunt spreads to multiple states Authorities initially said 11 inmates had escaped, but later corrected the number to 10 after discovering one man had been moved to another cell before his records were updated. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Noun
So, try the spread at Trinquet, a cozy restaurant in the Old Town, the historic center where some facades date back to the medieval period. Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025 The 28-year-old told People magazine at the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swim Launch Party in New York City that her former flames have been keeping a close eye on her steamy spread. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Noun
  • The subtle pleat pattern gives the ruffle a refined character that pairs exceptionally well with quilts and starchy white duvet covers.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 May 2025
  • Keep scrolling for more of our favorite lightweight and cooling quilts and comforters from Amazon, starting at $30.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Black-tie dinners with the wealthy are nothing new for Trump.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • In a different shot, Dobrev and White sit side by side at dinner.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The legislation would implement work requirements for adults enrolled in Medicaid expansion and increase the frequency of eligibility checks to ensure people still qualify for the program.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • But Italian beef, the quintessential Chicago sandwich, remains at the top of the Buona menu — and its expansion plans.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • At the opposite spectrum of the sombre tone and palette of Ritual of the Ancestors and Rites of Passage are a pair of sensual canvases titled Adoration of the Earth which depict a naked woman languishing in a field of dancing sunflowers.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Consumers should use a sunscreen labelled SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Flowers kept his distance the following summer and got a job at Charlestown Senior Living in Catonsville.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The banquet hall will be used in a two-room setup more frequently, according to Couch.
    Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • Attendees of the Thursday night banquet at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, D.C., paid an average of $1 million to get in the room, spending close to $400 million in total.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The debris flow had barreled more than a mile down the mountain, leaving an expanse of mud and rocks.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
  • Given its expanse into a head-to-toe resort wear outfitter that even trades in unstructured jackets and knitted trainers, how does the label continue to grow without losing sight of its original purpose?
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Speaking after days of Russia bombarding the Ukrainian capital and other regions with massive aerial attacks, the German chancellor said Monday that his country and other allies had lifted range restrictions.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • This can fluctuate depending on your kitchen and how well the oven is insulated, [but] this temperature range falls within the 'danger zone' of 40 to 140°F, where spoilage organisms can grow quickly.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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