spreads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spread
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2
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5
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
1
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

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
With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements. Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 Health officials said that West Nile virus typically spreads through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 28 June 2026 Highs across the East and Southeast will generally be 5 to 10 degrees above normal as the wave spreads eastward, with a few records possible in Florida’s Key West, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Christine Rapp, NBC news, 28 June 2026 As medetomidine spreads across the country, jails that are still inadequately prepared to treat opioid withdrawal alone could face an onslaught of severe cases. Hannah Harris Green, STAT, 26 June 2026 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, 25 June 2026 Atlanta Botanical Garden Founded in 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden spreads over 30 acres adjacent to the grassy sprawl of Piedmont Park, and its footprint includes many lush gardens, walkways, and art installations. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 While no poultry or other species are currently affected, and Australia's international disease-free status holds, experts warn of severe consequences if the virus spreads to freshwater ducks. John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 The most notable change occurred in 2025 with the addition of a 48-inch panoramic display that spreads across the entire dashboard. James Raia, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
Noun
From 1998 to 2000, credit spreads widened, giving investors an early warning before the market fell. Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 No picnic or potluck is complete with one of the most nostalgic spreads—egg salad. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 To use up your basil bounty, try our spreads, sauces, restaurant-style pastas, and even a refreshing drink with basil. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 These recipes make the most of the season's best ingredients, pairing them with savory meats, cheeses, and garden-fresh spreads. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 25 June 2026 The trade This is where put spreads earn their keep. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 June 2026 That is the takeaway from new research that studied a quarter-century worth of runway images, advertising, magazine covers, and editorial spreads. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 Specialized unit built for tight spaces As summer temperatures rise and futbol fever spreads, the department's new bike EMS team is positioned to ease concerns during emergencies. Bo Evans, CBS News, 19 June 2026 The menu features Mediterranean delicacies, starting with mezze like hummus, muhammara (a walnut and red pepper dip) and whipped feta spreads. Connie Ogle june 19, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreads
Verb
  • Irrespective of how the threat is made, the agency's Protective Intelligence division examines and disseminates general threat intelligence to the entire agency.
    Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Much of that money has been routed through a nonprofit judicial advocacy group Leo founded — now called The 85 Fund — which both receives and disseminates Leo’s funding.
    Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • West Virginia’s ban also applies at every level of competition, but only from middle school through college.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The same process applies for minors if all living parents agree to the name change.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • As blood circulates through your smallest vessels, some fluid leaks out through the vessel walls into surrounding tissue.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
  • Locals create authenticity but do not necessarily control how that authenticity circulates or is monetized through tourism.
    Carla Vecchiola, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The system processes pilot inputs through computers and transmits electrical signals to flight controls, improving safety, reliability, maneuverability, and reducing aircraft weight by removing mechanical linkages.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • When the waves reflect back, the radar receives them and transmits data about the number, height, direction, and speed of aerial passersby.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 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
  • During pregnancy, iron demand increases to support both the baby and placenta, while postpartum recovery can further lower ferritin due to blood loss.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • Beginning a section of rules with a short explanation about the rule’s purpose makes a more positive statement to the community, and hopefully increases community compliance and cooperation.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Better Homes & Gardens Stripe Chambray Quilt Cotton quilts typically have three layers; the two thin outer layers can wick away moisture and provide a cooling effect, which is why this chambray quilt is the perfect summer layer for your bed.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • People toasted to them — and other national heroes like George Washington and France's Marquis de Lafayette — at the parades and dinners that took place in towns across the country.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 July 2026
  • Usha Vance revealed that the couple likes to do dinners together or take long walks with their dog.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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