spreads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spread
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2
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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

6

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

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
Typically, hantavirus spreads by inhaling particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of wild rodents. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 When trust declines at the top, ambiguity spreads below. Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 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 Garlic mustard often spreads when people remove it from their yards and place it in compost piles. Breana Pitts, CBS News, 11 June 2026 The screwworm typically spreads by transport of either livestock or pets, Peel said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 June 2026 Sneak-eating competition spreads in China The rules are simple — finish eating your food without getting caught. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 June 2026 Likewise with special [infrared] thermometers that avoid physical contact [because the virus spreads through contact with fluids]. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 June 2026 On Dutton Ranch, the FMD outbreak spreads rapidly, ultimately forcing Rip to kill his entire herd. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Noun
This type of hantavirus spreads between people through prolonged, close contact with a sick person. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 Aon's risk capital chief, Joe Peiser, has said such deals will only grow more common as the hunger for cover spreads. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Relatively low credit spreads, strong profits and descending interest rates were among the factors showing that a peak is still a ways off, Garthwaite said. Tobias Burns, CNBC, 9 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 But without them, yields fall, food prices rise and food insecurity spreads. John W.h. Denton Ao, Fortune, 6 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
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
  • Misinformation about sunscreen also circulates widely on social media, and many Americans are skeptical about sunscreen safety, according to a recent survey from the American Academy of Dermatology.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 10 June 2026
  • Meant to be worn under the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, announced by the two companies in 2024, the garment circulates cold water through a network of tubes across the body's major muscle groups, according to an Axiom Space news release.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 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

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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