spreads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spread
1
2
3
4
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

2
3
4
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
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 Every time a rumor spreads on Facebook, a whole wave of children won't go to school and a whole wave of parents won't earn a day's wage. Mamie Bah, CBS News, 20 June 2026 The measles rash, which typically starts at the face and spreads down the rest of the body, occurs three to five days after the first symptoms. Paris Barraza, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Typically, hantavirus spreads by inhaling particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of wild rodents. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Without understanding people’s complex emotions and social responsibilities regarding illness and death, emergency responses overlook a crucial part of how a disease outbreak ignites and spreads. Katherine Marshall, STAT, 12 June 2026 The screwworm typically spreads by transport of either livestock or pets, Peel said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 June 2026 Excitement spreads across Shiz as word gets out that Prince Fiyero is on his way. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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 Nvidia carries top-tier credit ratings, the June notes priced at slender spreads over Treasuries, and the offering drew far more demand than the company sought. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 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 The mouthwatering spreads that were laid out each year did more than nourish Black Texans. Bobby J. Smith Ii, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 How far west the heavy rain threat spreads is still uncertain, which could mean the difference between significant flashing flooding in Houston or not much impact at all. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 Certainly, nothing in credit spreads for financials shows any pressure whatsoever and that sector usually shows concerns first. Steve Liesman, CNBC, 16 June 2026 This type of hantavirus spreads between people through prolonged, close contact with a sick person. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 Sportsbooks are still valuing the Spurs as the better team on a game-by-game basis, based on the spreads. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 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
  • This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
  • The same also applies to players from other smaller soccer nations.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • There, the partners of players are getting plenty of airtime of their own — all while taking and appearing in content that circulates for days on socials.
    Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 18 June 2026
  • Patricia wears a tiara and circulates dreamily, like a grownup Carrie at prom.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • It’s written in the practice of ancient agricultural methods; it’s written in hula, an embodied language that transmits stories over centuries.
    Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 9 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
  • Researchers think that making art also increases neuroplasticity (the ability to form new connections).
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026
  • That increases the risk that individuals’ personal data could be exposed, misused or commercialized without their consent.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 17 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
  • Your sheet pan can cook everything from chicken to bratwurst to salmon, and this collection of simple sheet pan dinners will carry you through plenty of busy weeknights.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 June 2026
  • The members organized events such as potluck dinners for Black and white families to interact, tutoring program for students and other efforts to improve southeast Denton.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spreads

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster