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

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
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease caused by influenza viruses that usually spread between birds, according to Indiana DNR. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025 With prices so high, media companies are narrowing their packages, leaving some big leagues like the NBA spread across more networks and streamers. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
When word spread of Allison’s death, prominent bowling websites and social media pages began posting articles, condolences and tributes. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025 Queue confusion for Nick, for viewers, for their increasingly cold Taco Bell spread. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Noun
  • The flip side of this reversible quilt features a solid color with modern quilted stitching.
    Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Originally, Porter planned to create a full quilt for Boone.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Home refrigerators offered modern freezer compartments, ready to fill with fish sticks, frozen waffles and TV dinners.
    Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That dinner was the essence of who Jack is as a person.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Traditionally, expansion announcements come at the main December owners meeting.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Equity funding supports long-term innovation and expansion, while growth debt offers flexible capital for scaling operations efficiently.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The list recognizes a thriving segment of the entertainment industry that includes storytellers across the religious spectrum who are offering up compelling and creative experiences featuring faith and spirituality for broad audiences.
    Variety Staff, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • On the other end of the spectrum was North Dakota, which was ranked the worst state for hiking on the list.
    Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There were three distance options -- 20, 50 and 100 kilometers -- that led riders north up in and around the Bella Vista area before bringing them back to downtown Bentonville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Golden State Warriors are now a good distance above the rest of the league, thanks largely to the favorable economics of their arena.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In German tradition, this funerary banquet is typically held several weeks after the death, once the initial shock has settled.
    Diana Hubbell, Saveur, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Utsav will also feature a large banquet hall for private events, Aella and Pingili told CharlotteFive.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The best way to experience this smooth expanse of sand is with a stay at the beach’s most iconic hotel, the Malibu Beach Inn, which has rooms with balconies that extend directly over breaking waves.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The whole idea of landscapes opened up an expanse of ideas.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, the British ships stayed at Flushing Bay just beyond range, leaving the doorway to escape wide open.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Before the crash, air traffic control audio captures the pilots requesting an altitude range — known as a block altitude — to maneuver the airplane.
    Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spread

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!