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
The after-ski includes live music, traditional buffet spreads, and dancing around a maypole in ski boots. Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 The thinking is that prostate cancer usually spreads more slowly in older men. CBS News, 31 May 2026 Wembanyama really spreads the floor with his wide range of shot selection. Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 29 May 2026 Among humans, Ebola spreads through contact with blood, bodily fluids or the bodies of infected people who died. Jane Weaver, NBC news, 29 May 2026 Senior setter Grayson Sanicki spreads the offense around, including high balls on the outside to fellow captain Jack Wickersham. Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026 Mpox spreads through close, direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, scabs, or body fluids. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026 As Price’s off-book mission collides with the forces behind the invasion, the war spreads beyond anyone’s control. Jay Peters, The Verge, 28 May 2026 The original problem may start in one area, but suddenly the emergency response spreads much farther than intended or needed. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
Noun
But without them, yields fall, food prices rise and food insecurity spreads. John W.h. Denton Ao, Fortune, 6 June 2026 Long options or debit spreads are, at least in absolute terms, fairly priced. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 June 2026 These crack spreads calculate the difference between the price of crude oil and the jet fuel produced from it. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 June 2026 Some market analysts believe a share sale could risk widening mortgage spreads and raising mortgage rates – an outcome Bessent has repeatedly emphasized would not be acceptable to the administration. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 Accordingly, expect to be well-fed on your stay, as the casa comes well-stocked with homemade breads, local fruits, spreads, and juices. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 One cup of peas contains more than 8 grams of fiber; fresh peas can be tossed into salads, stirred into pasta or risotto, blended into soups, dips, spreads, and pesto—or simply sautéed with olive oil and herbs as a quick side dish. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 27 May 2026 Over time, the trait of maturing smaller spreads. Owen D. Jones, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 Conversations move quickly and news spreads fast. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 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
  • The same applies during perimenopause, when cycle length and hormonal patterns become less predictable.
    Allison Palmer June 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • This offer applies to products under warranty and even some past the warranty period (which varies by product).
    Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • These factors can affect how air circulates in your home.
    Kat Tretina, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
  • Also, because hantavirus outbreaks are so sporadic and unpredictable, that virus is much harder to study compared with a common germ that regularly circulates, such as the flu.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The virus transmits human-to-human amid close, prolonged contact with a symptomatic case.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026
  • The SEALs team takes a photograph of bin Laden’s face and transmits it to American officials.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 1 May 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, 3 June 2026
  • Brain activity also increases during a stress response, making movements which are usually automatic less so, and perhaps even slower.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 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
  • Vermont Inn-to-Inn — A 40-plus-mile circle route through southern Vermont with 4 days of walking, daily distances of 7 to 13 miles, gourmet breakfasts and specialty dinners prepared by innkeepers.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
  • Trump frequently had first-term dinners with business leaders but has more fully embraced the role since returning to the White House.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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