spreads 1 of 2

Definition of spreadsnext
present tense third-person singular of spread
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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

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spreads

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 spreads
Verb
Unfortunately, the striking shrub spreads by roots and seeds, overtaking native plants. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026 The disease spreads through coughing or sneezing with respiratory droplets containing bacteria. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 The curse spreads to members of Nicky’s family, resulting in multiple deaths. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026 As news of car thefts from city garages spreads, some operators say demand is falling. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 The curse also spreads to members of Nicky’s family, resulting in multiple deaths. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 However, be diligent because mint spreads rapidly. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026 Public health officials are warning of measles exposure as the disease spreads on a global scale. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 The group of six certainly has a lot to do, and the new compensation program spreads the accountability around. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
Also called creeping Charlie, this perennial weed spreads fast during cool weather. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026 Amkor Technology isn’t a household name, but it’s poised to become a big winner as artificial intelligence spreads. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026 Olive oils, cheese, olives, sauces, spreads, Italian wine, beer, soda and a humidor with cigars. Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026 From prix fixe meals to buffet spreads, here’s a look at where to go for Easter brunch in Houston. Ana Khan, Houston Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 His photos became album art and magazine spreads, and posters that hung in countless bedrooms. David Di Sabatino, SPIN, 3 Apr. 2026 Many feature fancy fillings such as pistachio cream, hazelnut spreads or layered textures — a style popularized by the viral Dubai chocolate trend — that combines smooth chocolate with crispier elements such as shredded phyllo dough. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Today, As ever features fruit spreads in raspberry, orange marmalade and strawberry varietals and the lifestyle line has expanded to include other products such as honey, wine and candles. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026 The trigeminal nerve spreads in tree-like branches throughout your face and head, with one of its major branches extending up into the forehead area. Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreads
Verb
  • Federal privacy laws require such documents before a federal agency collects or disseminates personal, identifiable information about the public for a new purpose.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The virus disseminates from a person’s vomit and stool, spraying into the air or landing on nearby surfaces.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The $5 discount for prepaid bags still applies.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Sports Broadcasting Act exemption passed in 1961 applies only to broadcast television.
    Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There's no need to turn food grilled indirectly because the air circulates around the steaks like an oven.
    Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Plus, the domed lid traps and circulates steam for maximum rise and flavor, while the low-profile base ensures even browning and a golden, crispy crust.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Lumentum’s technology helps convert electrical signals into light, and Corning makes the optical fiber that transmits the light across the data center.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Fairlinked’s evidence that LinkedIn transmits data to third-party firms includes the presence of a hidden iframe from American-Israeli firm Human Security, which offers technology for detecting and blocking bots.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Trever parts his hair to the right while his brother styles his combover to the left.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Later, Hamilton parts the sea on his kick scooter, speedily escaping from the hectic press area.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This increases your visibility to potential rescuers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a letter that a rearview image that doesn’t display properly reduces the driver’s view behind the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash.
    Michelle Chapman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • When the popular Italian restaurant Caffe Vialetto closed in 2025 after 26 years of feeding families and sharing milestones, diners across Miami mourned the loss of the Coral Gables icon, a stable oasis for quiet dinners and family celebrations in a wildly changing culinary landscape.
    Connie Ogle April 9, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Although many of our dinners serve four people, this collection of hits is perfect for serving half as many and in record time.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The world’s continents are fringed by vast expanses of sand and mud.
    David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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