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
The virus spreads mainly from contact with infected feces, WebMD said. Don Sweeney april 6, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Respiratory syncytial virus is continuing to spread later into the spring than usual, driving most states to extend the window for RSV immunizations for eligible infants and toddlers. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
If bitten, Dowd advises snake bite victims to remain calm, limit movement to slow the spread of venom and call 911 immediately. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 For a sampler of the most popular cold mezze dishes, Pera Mezze offers the chef mix mezze plate ($24), which comes with the eatery’s hummus, baba ganoush, two dolmades, a Cretan feta spread and muhammara. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Noun
  • With bedding sets starting under $25, there’s a deal for every kind of sleeper at Wayfair right now, including a floral-forward Laura Ashley sheet set that helps regulate temperature and a French linen quilt that looks effortlessly expensive.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026
  • One need only look to Bandcamp to find mountains of warbly ambient music, home-recorded with all the coziness of a quilt from grandma.
    Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In millions of American homes, while parents were making dinner or paying bills, their kids were in another room scrolling social media and talking to chatbots.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Cap off your trip with dinner in The Gulch, an upscale dining and shopping hub.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And just off of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar renovation that saw a refresh of every guest room, the expansion of its family-friendly villa offerings, a sleek new pool, and several updates to its world-class golf course, the property is feeling better than ever.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Surprisingly, there are a few dresses worn by society figures of a bygone age when Denver was an up-and-coming metropolis, made rich by mining and the westward expansion of American culture.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This has parents concerned and states across the political spectrum starting to act.
    Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • At the other end of the spectrum are Josh Lowe (46%), Jorge Soler (42%) and Oswald Peraza (39%).
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Crowds of bird fans carrying smartphones and cameras are craning daily for a look at its silly walk, while mostly maintaining a respectful distance.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 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
  • The Gaines Award will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th awards banquet on June 29 at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina.
    Michelle Kaufman April 6, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Enraged, Misha's boyfriend barrels across the room and beats Charlie up, and Emma flees the banquet hall.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Clavius can be recognized by dint of an arcing line of impact craters nestled within its 143-mile (230 km) expanse, along with the Porter and Rutherford impact sites, which overlap part of its northeastern and southeastern rim.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • That's why there's no greater joy in journalism than driving through the great expanses of the West.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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