spreads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spread
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2
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as in parts
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

spreads

2 of 2

noun

plural of spread
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as in quilts
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in spectrums
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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 spreads
Verb
Its living space spreads across three floors, all accessed by a central staircase. Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 The disease spreads in koala populations through reproduction and social behavior connected to mating. Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 That mindset spreads quickly across teams and creates a cycle of disengagement that is difficult to break. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 This low-growing, emerald-green sedge spreads rapidly, and grows in moderately dry to moist soils. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025 The disease spreads through triatomine insect bites, per UCLA Health. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025 However, be diligent because mint spreads rapidly. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 Another cold front sweeping down from Canada will drop already moderate temperatures 10-20 degrees across parts of the Midwest this week before its grip spreads across the Northeast, forecasters say. John Bacon, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
When credit spreads are this tight, they can't be expected to compress further and have plenty of room to back up. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025 Reputational damage spreads as employees share their experiences. Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Charcuterie spreads were also on every table. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 This perennial spreads by underground stems called rhizomes, which make division of the plant easy. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025 For those who prefer hands-on learning, Salt & Honey Co also will host workshops and events to help craft your own spreads. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025 How toxic workplaces emerge When managers fail to set clear expectations, communicate openly and model respectful behavior, dysfunction spreads and a toxic workplace is born. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 One will focus on faster-growing businesses, such as sauces, spreads and shelf-stable meals. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 When fear or misinformation spreads, fewer people register, and patients die waiting. Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreads
Verb
  • The expiring boost, implemented in Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act under former President Joe Biden, applies to 22 million of the 24 million low- and middle-income Americans with plans through the ACA marketplace.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • No, Spotify's Lossless Listening only applies to music streamed on the app, Spotify engineer John Cieslik-Bridgen told USA TODAY.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The bacterium Yersinia pestis still circulates globally.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Money velocity—the rate at which money circulates through the economy—remains stuck near historic lows, about 20% below pre-pandemic levels, according to my firm’s recent research highlight, which dives more deeply into data analysis on this subject.
    Ivan Illan, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Listening to a Swift song is like eating a candy bar that transmits a personal essay into your memory.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The photograph transmits the breadth and mechanism of the Festival’s assembled in the way of a fine Titian oil — speaking of art works central to Venice — in which every human in the image is captured doing something vastly different from his or her neighbor.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And the alloy wheels are an inch smaller, which increases the range to 288 miles (464 km).
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Every decision either increases your freedom or decreases it.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Riiqiichy Scarf For dressier dinners, my grandmother says a wrap is an easy, packable piece that will elevate any outfit while keeping you warm.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Expect signature evenings from formal five-course dinners to relaxed grill nights under the stars.
    Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Backcountry exploration When people seek a break from the pace of modern life and the demands of being digitally connected, national parks contain expanses of backcountry, where signs of civilization are sparse, and where profound natural beauty, adventure and solitude are still available.
    Jeffrey C. Hallo, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Much of the rest of the hike was dry and traversed gentle gravel bars or smooth limestone expanses, skirting the edges of grassy bluffs and rocky cliffs.
    Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This mechanism explains why PAH emission is detectable at such vast distances from the galaxy, according to the statement.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Visibility may drop suddenly and over short distances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Understanding how heat propagates in such states may improve models of their evolution and internal structure.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
  • At the furthest edge of this vision lies a future where entire organizations operate not as hierarchies or even networks but as coherent light fields, where strategic intent propagates through resonance rather than reporting lines.
    Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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