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

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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
Tell me what the heck a gross bacterium that spreads disease has to do with sunscreen. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spreads easily among patients with serious medical conditions in health care facilities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Emma Koppelman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026 For those observing broader market dynamics, the services layer illustrates how AI's economic impact spreads beyond visible infrastructure transactions. Arthur Mouratov, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 If this model spreads, public access to home listings could become a fallback rather than the default. Derrick Johnson, Time, 4 Aug. 2026 Between one to four days after the early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 How to avoid, treat cyclosporiasis Cyclospora spreads through water and food that are contaminated with human feces, so the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis is to avoid consuming things that could be contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. Finch Walker, USA Today, 30 July 2026 No preset amount works for everyone, because body size and how a product spreads both vary. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Noun
Equity indices are near highs, credit spreads are tight, and the consensus economic forecast still describes a soft landing that has already landed. Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 But as big productions left Los Angeles, the golf course became a backdrop mostly for commercials, magazine spreads and social media shoots. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 As optimism spreads, an investment boom—the next stage—develops, much of it facilitated by credit expansion, and the repercussions are felt in the broader economy. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 The strongest shaking is concentrated around the epicenter northwest of Cali and extends toward the Pacific coast, while weaker shaking spreads toward Medellín, Bogotá and surrounding regions. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 However, based on current indicators, both oil prices and crack spreads are likely to stay elevated, resulting in record free cash flow, a forward multiple below 14 times earnings. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 The series launched alongside her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which has sold products including fruit spreads, honey, tea, wine, candles and chocolate. Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 For CFOs, that's a clearer signal on whether current spreads reflect true borrowing risk or a measurement quirk when timing debt issuance. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 Boards feature a selection of artisan meats, cheeses, seasonal fruit, olives, nuts, spreads and more. Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreads
Verb
  • But the way social media disseminates words and images means that young people often share the same cultural icons and influences in ways unimaginable 50 years ago.
    Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 18 July 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • This branch of civil engineering applies the laws of physics and mathematics to design the skeletons of artificial structures.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The same method applies to cameras, Patricolo and McCarty said.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There are still treatments available when cancer has spread to the bones, including therapeutic radiation, which circulates throughout the body and can help relieve discomfort.
    Raymond Strickland, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The basket has a chlorine dispenser that can handle 1- and 3-inch tablets to sanitize the water as the S2 circulates around the pool.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While the car transmits every ripple in the road, its trick Multimatic dampers round off imperfections beautifully, so the chassis never feels discombobulated.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
  • His music gives me chills, transmits cosmic waves of light, wisdom, and divine emotions.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 July 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
  • Right now, the average hot day contains about 16 hot hours, but that increases to 19 hours in the medium scenario and 21 hours in the high scenario.
    Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The chance of rain increases a bit with the potential for spotty showers.
    Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Its patchwork patterns are reminiscent of antique quilts with plenty of Southern charm, and they’re printed and stitched in sections along the length of the quilt.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • 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
  • The real deals are locked in over late-night dinners, back-channel texts and quiet handshakes months in advance.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Celebrities are invited to the White House and state dinners; why?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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