spreads 1 of 2

Definition of spreadsnext
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
The virus typically spreads through contact with bodily fluids from another person infected with the disease, and family members and health care workers are considered the most at risk. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 Andes virus largely spreads to humans who breathe in viral particles found in rodents’ feces, urine, and saliva, and is the only hantavirus known to transmit between people. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 17 May 2026 The often-fatal virus, which causes fever, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials or persons who have died from the disease, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Reuters, CNN Money, 17 May 2026 The two will boost each other's flavor, and the oregano spreads along the ground, trapping moisture in for the basil. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 16 May 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, 15 May 2026 With an overwhelming 43-track release, the artist spreads himself — and his grievance — thin. Gene Park, Washington Post, 15 May 2026 Hantavirus usually spreads when people inhale contaminated residue of rodent droppings and isn’t easily transmitted between people. Iain Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 That tiny movement changes the way light spreads inside the sensor. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Noun
That convenience may come with costs, such as bid-ask spreads or other transaction charges. Colin Dodds, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026 How gold dealers make money Gold dealers make money through premiums, buyback spreads and service fees. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 14 May 2026 In fact, yield is where the opportunity lies, since credit spreads are tight, Rieder said. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 13 May 2026 And yes, it can often be seen on funeral spreads, but also at family holidays, cookouts, brunches, and showers. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 May 2026 Demand, for now, is keeping pace; yet tight spreads leave little room for error if credit conditions were to deteriorate. Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026 Don’t miss suja, or black tea churned with butter and salt, which shows up everywhere from afternoon monastery visits to morning breakfast spreads. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026 Those are hefty spreads for Game 7s. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 4 May 2026 The Bermuda grass weed spreads by its roots (rhizomes) and seeds. Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Apr. 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 measure applies only to the Senate, not the House, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two chambers over responsibility for funding the federal government.
    Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • This applies especially for pets, because the algae can be extremely dangerous to their health.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Its vertical and horizontal dual oscillation, coupled with an airflow range of up to 50 feet, efficiently circulates air in any direction.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
  • While Mullen’s work circulates primarily through podcasts and online clips, SNL remains one of the most powerful amplifiers of funny.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 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
  • Posting on multiple platforms simultaneously increases your reach, but be aware that spreading the budget evenly across all of them generally doesn't work.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • The vote signifies the latest push by the group to slow or halt wage increases for tourism workers in the city, increases that hospitality and service worker unions have pushed for to coincide with the 2028 Olympics.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • There’s a swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen, for family dinners at home after long days on the beach, and lots of smaller cafés and convenience shops a quick walk away.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 14 May 2026
  • Stop in for the homey buffet lunches and dinners, if only for the panoramic views of Sweden.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • By traversing sonic ground across its 10 tracks that transports listeners from the open expanses of Montana to the Mississippi Hill Country, Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen effectively weave a tapestry that knits together a throughline between foundational Americana genres.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • Encounters with whales, dolphins and penguins awaited; landscapes of icy expanses, towering cliffs and rolling green hills beckoned.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 6 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 21 May. 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