spreads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spread
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2
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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

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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
The virus spreads through the saliva or nervous system tissue of infected mammals, usually through bites. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 July 2026 So the researchers adapted this to their own system, which spreads roughly 90,000 bases of DNA across seven separate circular DNA molecules. ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 The Donut Palace is a true Tullahoma gem with a reputation for the best sweet treats that spreads by word of mouth. Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 As the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, global attention has understandably focused on the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for this rare species of Ebola virus. Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 1 July 2026 Millions of Americans are facing dangerous heat and humidity going into the July Fourth holiday as a major heat wave spreads across large parts of the central and eastern United States. Brian Bossak, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements. Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Noun
From 1998 to 2000, credit spreads widened, giving investors an early warning before the market fell. Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 No picnic or potluck is complete with one of the most nostalgic spreads—egg salad. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 To use up your basil bounty, try our spreads, sauces, restaurant-style pastas, and even a refreshing drink with basil. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 These recipes make the most of the season's best ingredients, pairing them with savory meats, cheeses, and garden-fresh spreads. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 25 June 2026 The trade This is where put spreads earn their keep. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 June 2026 That is the takeaway from new research that studied a quarter-century worth of runway images, advertising, magazine covers, and editorial spreads. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 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 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
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
  • West Virginia’s ban also applies at every level of competition, but only from middle school through college.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The same process applies for minors if all living parents agree to the name change.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • As blood circulates through your smallest vessels, some fluid leaks out through the vessel walls into surrounding tissue.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
  • Locals create authenticity but do not necessarily control how that authenticity circulates or is monetized through tourism.
    Carla Vecchiola, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • In the clinical setting, Busbee said, physical therapists use different size electrodes for various parts of the body, attached to a machine that transmits an electrical current to the electrodes.
    Diana Anos, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • The system processes pilot inputs through computers and transmits electrical signals to flight controls, improving safety, reliability, maneuverability, and reducing aircraft weight by removing mechanical linkages.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 25 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
  • During pregnancy, iron demand increases to support both the baby and placenta, while postpartum recovery can further lower ferritin due to blood loss.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • Beginning a section of rules with a short explanation about the rule’s purpose makes a more positive statement to the community, and hopefully increases community compliance and cooperation.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 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
  • People toasted to them — and other national heroes like George Washington and France's Marquis de Lafayette — at the parades and dinners that took place in towns across the country.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 July 2026
  • Usha Vance revealed that the couple likes to do dinners together or take long walks with their dog.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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