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

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 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
Whereas the initial narrowband signal might have a strong power across just a few frequencies, the smearing spreads that power across more frequencies, reducing the strength of the signal. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026 War spreads in the Middle East, a coaching legend dies, and several incumbents face tough primaries. Melinda Yao, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026 Plants infected by the bacterial disease transmitted by these beetles show wilting with a single leaf, which then spreads to the entire plant and results in plant death within a week or so, says Khan. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026 The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and saliva through coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing eating utensils. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026 China has perfected the role of concerned onlooker as the Middle East conflict spreads across the region. John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026 The infection spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026 Markets, policymakers and regional leaders are now watching closely to see how far the conflict spreads, and whether the power shift in Tehran alters Iran’s political trajectory or further entrenches its security-first stance. Garrett Downs,greg Iacurci,azhar Sukri,spriha Srivastava,emma Graham,lee Ying Shan,anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026 This is a plant that spreads easily in the garden since it is accessorized with both rhizomes and stolons (runners). Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
The menu includes mezze, spreads, vegetables and kebabs. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026 That buffer will be crucial, as market spreads have widened by about 50 basis points since the debt was underwritten, the people said. Claire Ruckin, Bloomberg, 5 Mar. 2026 Those spreads should widen as supply enters the market, LeBas said. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026 Jif, which has been making delicious peanut butter spreads since 1958, is now trying its hand at candy. Molly Burford, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026 The State Department shut two embassies after drone attacks and is advising Americans to evacuate by commercial means from 14 countries covering most of the Middle East as Iran's retaliation spreads. Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 3 Mar. 2026 Crack spreads, which measure refining profit margins, soared to their highest since 2023. Reuters wire Service, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026 If gold prices spike briefly, some buyers widen spreads. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 Then, grab two sauces or spreads that can be used to boost any meal. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreads
Verb
  • 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
  • The spores can also be present in soil, which, if disturbed, disseminates the spores into the air.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • According to a Treasury Department license document, the authorization applies until April 11 and applies to Russian oil that was loaded onto vessels before March 12.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
  • This applies to the Giants’ approach to free agency here, too.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His hymn to Aten is an exercise in majesty, an ode not just to the sun but to the expanses in which our solar system circulates.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Ukrainian humor circulates from grassroots social media to government offices, to business sites.
    Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The act would mandate wider u,se of ADS-B in and ADS-B out, a safety system that transmits an aircraft's location to other aircraft, NPR's Joel Rose tells Up First.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
  • CapRadio’s tower plan CapRadio tried for more than a decade to repair the tower beaming KXPR, which transmits classical music.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Later, Hamilton parts the sea on his kick scooter, speedily escaping from the hectic press area.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Construction increases fire risk.
    Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The ability to see farther and hit faster dramatically increases the information processing burden on military organizations.
    Jon R. Lindsay, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Versatile, breezy dresses are the ultimate suitcase staple, taking you from sandy strolls and poolside lounging to ocean view dinners without missing a beat.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Oscar weekend, with its cocktails and dinners and pre-soirees and, most importantly, parties—like Vanity Fair’s—is fashion’s equivalent to Super Bowl weekend.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As the train moves through the Hudson Valley and up toward the Canadian border, riverfront towns give way to wide expanses of water and distant mountain peaks.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • His hymn to Aten is an exercise in majesty, an ode not just to the sun but to the expanses in which our solar system circulates.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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