as in infectious
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
spreading enthusiasm that got our club rolling again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in disseminating
to cause to be known over a considerable area or by many people
spread the news!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in applying
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 circulating
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 transmitting
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 separating
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 increasing
to become greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
dissatisfaction with the new administration is spreading rapidly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spreading
Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The arrangement did not prevent rumors from spreading, however, and becoming a major distraction for the department.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
That second question could reveal whether discovery capacity is concentrated in a handful of institutions or spreading across a broader global network.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Plants develop as a gently spreading mound that looks lovely trailing over rocky ledges and stone walls or spilling from containers.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
In light of the recent measles outbreak in the Sacramento area, along with measles spreading in other parts of the United States and the world, state health officials urged Californians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The spreading conflict in the Persian Gulf has had a predictable but unwelcome impact on California drivers.
—Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Fiberlayering focuses on spreading moderate amounts of fiber across meals and snacks.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026
These hybrid lilies are well-behaved, spreading to form clumps over three to four years.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
On Saturday, March 7, demonstrations will be held in cities nationwide, pushing for people of all walks of life to stand together in protecting and spreading awareness for victims of human trafficking.
—Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The arrangement did not prevent rumors from spreading, however, and becoming a major distraction for the department.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
That second question could reveal whether discovery capacity is concentrated in a handful of institutions or spreading across a broader global network.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Plants develop as a gently spreading mound that looks lovely trailing over rocky ledges and stone walls or spilling from containers.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
In light of the recent measles outbreak in the Sacramento area, along with measles spreading in other parts of the United States and the world, state health officials urged Californians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The spreading conflict in the Persian Gulf has had a predictable but unwelcome impact on California drivers.
—Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Fiberlayering focuses on spreading moderate amounts of fiber across meals and snacks.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026
These hybrid lilies are well-behaved, spreading to form clumps over three to four years.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreading
Adjective
-
The laughing becomes infectious.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the lead-up to the midterms, Kennedy is reportedly nudging HHS away from attacking infectious-disease policy.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Vaccine Integrity Project launched last year as a means for assessing and disseminating the best available evidence on vaccines.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
3 Mar. 2026
-
An elderly, white-bearded man clutched a walking staff, like an urban Gandalf, disseminating wise vibes.—
Brian Barth,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Individuals applying for Social Security after age 65 should be aware that Medicare Part A may be backdated up to six months, and contributions made during that lookback period are subject to a 6% IRS excise tax per year until corrected.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Use a slow-release, granular fertilizer, applying at the rate recommended on the bag or by your local extension office.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Thinner laminations help limit circulating electrical currents within the core that would otherwise waste energy in the form of heat.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Pack a blanket or a warm outer layer Older people have a harder time producing, retaining, and circulating body heat.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Undersea cables can have other benefits in addition to transmitting huge streams of data.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Ada imagined a satellite transmitting information directly into her head.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The line separating the two is blurry, as both star types experience winds and ejecta before dying.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Mar. 2026
-
While Trump officials say the current deportation surge is succeeding in rooting out dangerous criminals, immigrant advocates have decried the crackdown for separating families and sending people back to countries where their lives may be in danger.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The series became a bestselling book, increasing Anderson’s profile as an incisive commentator with biting wit but very little malice.—
Jessica Lipsky,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
With tax incentives reduced and competition increasing, analysts expect EV sales growth in China to slow.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The same goes for propagating cactus pups and leaf or stem cuttings.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
-
With its light texture, perlite mixed with water makes an excellent medium for propagating stem cuttings and leaf cuttings.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spreading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreading. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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