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
The conditions increase the possibility of transmitting the disease, which spreads through close contact with bodily fluids of the sick and deceased such as sweat, blood, feces and vomit. Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 For health workers on the front line of Congo's Ebola outbreak, the work has become harder as the disease spreads faster than their current treatment capacity. ABC News, 7 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 Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with few effective treatment options once the disease spreads. Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 5 June 2026 Critics argue that the wanton use of such a powerful tool at best, betrays the dignity of the office and, at worst, spreads confusion and misinformation during times of national anxiety. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 4 June 2026 If the parasite spreads, beef supply could be strained, but the bigger question could be whether the news alone will spook Americans out of the drive-through lane. Oliver Renick, CNBC, 4 June 2026 The after-ski includes live music, traditional buffet spreads, and dancing around a maypole in ski boots. Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 31 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 11 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