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)

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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
In the 1960s, scientists released the decollate snail to combat the spread of the brown snail, but the brown appears to have mostly won out. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 Credit spreads widened, the VIX climbed above 31, and some safe-haven assets, such as gold , stabilized after steep declines and registered inflows. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Mar. 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
  • If dinner plans conflict with deadlines, propose takeout and a raincheck tonight.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Mayer envisioned rocking chairs, crisp linens and tasty dinners.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 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
  • Inside stood several farmhouses cozily positioned within a comfortable walking distance from one another.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Those questions signaled their belief that anyone occupying that office should maintain their distance from the president and uphold the Justice Department’s independence.
    Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 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
  • 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 4 Apr. 2026.

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