spread 1 of 3

Definition of spreadnext
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 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

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6

spread

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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
Transfer pasta mixture to sheet, being sure to scrap out any remaining cheese mixture in bowl, spreading into an even layer if needed. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026 As climate change drives hotter, drier, and more extreme weather, these microscopic threats are spreading farther and becoming more resilient — sometimes with deadly consequences. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
His message attracted conservative voters from other parts of the country that were locked down in an effort to curb the spread of the disease, while DeSantis re-opened Florida. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 More could have been done to get out ahead of the spread and prevent more cases. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Noun
  • Within the lone star pattern of the quilt, gifted to her posthumously, were also Safari giraffes and zebras and elephants.
    Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Mar. 2026
  • On top, a double quilt filled with chemical-free 650+ down drapes over you like a comforter.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • So far, the actor tells me, she's ordered it both nights for dinner.
    Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
  • This bone broth soup comes together in 10 minutes for a one-pot breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The centerpiece of the expansion, which was led by the architects Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with the firm Cooper Robertson, is an atrium that snaps right onto the side of the flagship building.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Maryland case often is cited as justification for an expansion of DNA collection.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • SpaceX’s application suggests the company is eyeing the spectrum to incorporate into its satellite-to-phone service, Starlink Mobile, which is already available through T-Mobile.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The political spectrum runs far and wide, and every voice matters.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The lower-density regions around them, even from quite a distance away, don’t stand a chance.
    Big Think, Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The street is within a few minutes’ walking distance of the childhood homes of both McCartney and fellow Beatle George Harrison.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Keep scrolling for our favorite duvet covers, quilts, and coverlets that will keep you comfortable and complement your bedroom’s design.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Try styling it with tonal layers: Soft neutrals, an exaggerated lumbar pillow, and a simple coverlet so the stripe reads more like depth than pattern.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • It is celebrated around family dinner tables and at communal banquets, where the dramatic story of liberation from slavery is retold.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, after the banquet, there was a lot of talk about the King’s health.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Perched just beyond the Bay Area’s eastern edge, this expanse of fields, orchards, subdivisions and big-box stores offers few opportunities for ambitious young professionals interested in industries such as tech and finance.
    Connor Letourneau, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The expanse of the American West lends a scope and majesty to the frame, while smooth transitions between 2D and 3D animation make the horse-racing scenes exhilarating.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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