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 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

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
Drinking contaminated water does not present a risk, and the infection does not spread from one person to another, Lundstrom added. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025 The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said famine is happening in Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and could spread south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month. Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
As warmer temperatures facilitate the spread of disease, the most socially vulnerable populations are going to pay the steepest price. Dylan Scott, Wired News, 23 Aug. 2025 And in the final minutes, their alien planet enters Earth's orbit, threatening the humans who just barely managed to stop the spread of the virus. James Mercadante, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
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
  • Planning dinner, a class party or a thoughtful email to your child’s teacher?
    Alena Conley, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • As K-pop revs up its global expansion, one of the sleepers is the bubbly girl group STAYC, whose songs possess a fun-house exuberance (The Theatre at M.S.G.; Oct. 21).
    Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The capital will also support geographic expansion.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Even the lower end of that spectrum is considerably larger than the most lucrative contract the Cubs have dished out in team history (Jason Heyward $184 million).
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Over the week of campaign stops, a range of officials from across the Democratic political spectrum voiced their support for the candidate.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Grandma Blue crossed the distance between them and raised her stick to hit him.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Two distances available – 10K (6.2 miles) or 5K (3.1 miles).
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The photo by Getty Images' royal photographer Chris Jackson showed the Princess Royal and Sir Tim, 70, standing and smiling together in their finery before the French state banquet at Windsor Castle on July 9.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Instead, the city wants a new hotel at the site of the banquet center.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • After years of open world games that render continent-sized expanses to roam, Delta’s strict guardrails around what makes an explorable space feel downright claustrophobic.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
  • This luxe expanse of hip home rentals and elegant glamping tents sits on 37,000 acres, rivaling many of the country’s national parks (Bryce Canyon is roughly 36,000 acres).
    Emily Pennington, Outside, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Powell was one of only six NBA players last season to average at least 21 points while shooting better than 48% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities, practices, and rituals, so begin by setting your intention for your time off.
    Essence, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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