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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spread
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 May 2026
But roots can be deep and seeds can spread easily, making eradicating invasive plants difficult.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
The Saturday spread is great too, served a la carte.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Verb
The Brat redux reignited a fire that has since spread across music.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 May 2026
But roots can be deep and seeds can spread easily, making eradicating invasive plants difficult.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Noun
Warming waters, geographic spread, and increases in antibiotic resistance are increasing risks.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
The Saturday spread is great too, served a la carte.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Noun
-
For a bedroom update, pick up this reversible Laura Ashley quilt with two patterns for the price of one.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This classic striped quilt instantly boosts the cozy factor of any room.—
Caley Sturgill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The dinner was held under Queen Rania’s patronage, and the event honored the achievements of the nonprofit’s beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for its donors for their ongoing support, and aimed to secure funding for a new cohort of Jordanian youth to complete their higher education.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
6 May 2026
-
On April 25, the alleged gunman, Cole Allen, armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives, attempted to charge a security checkpoint outside the dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the semi-private wait areas and a dedicated family lobby, the expansion also added five rooms designated for initial intake assessments and two dedicated procedure rooms.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
-
Tarleton State’s Fort Worth expansion plans come as several other Texas universities have also set their sights on improving their presence in the city.—
Samuel O’Neal
May 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
At the opposite end of the spectrum are roses that are highly susceptible — losing vigor, producing fewer blooms, developing buds that ball up, and in some cases defoliating entirely.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
-
From sea to mountains, ingredients cover a spectrum of Okayama specialties, with creations inspired by the subtlest flavor shifts of Japan’s 72 micro-seasons (recent highlights ranged from arrowhead fish, Chinese cabbage, and foie gras to Okayama Nagi beef and turnip).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The juxtapositions of text and image, which strongly suggest the widening distance between mother and daughter, build in emotional and intellectual power over the film’s ninety-minute duration.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
When inside, Hattuta said everyone wears masks and keeps a safe distance from each other.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Put your flannel sheets back in the linen closet, swap your comforter for a lightweight quilt, or pair a linen coverlet with temperature-regulating sheets.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Class Notes The Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association held its senior awards banquet at Holy Cross Sunday, honoring many of the state’s top basketball players.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
4 May 2026
-
The eight-story clubhouse, within walking distance of downtown Portland, houses restaurants, swimming pools, exercise studios, a conditioning room and ballroom and banquet facilities.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
The stone, a little white-hot comet, flew in a tight, mean line across the expanse.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
While that may seem like a vast expanse when starting with tiny seedlings, know that these productive plants will spread several feet by the end of the season.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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