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
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 Health officials said that West Nile virus typically spreads through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 28 June 2026 Highs across the East and Southeast will generally be 5 to 10 degrees above normal as the wave spreads eastward, with a few records possible in Florida’s Key West, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Christine Rapp, NBC news, 28 June 2026 As medetomidine spreads across the country, jails that are still inadequately prepared to treat opioid withdrawal alone could face an onslaught of severe cases. Hannah Harris Green, STAT, 26 June 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, 25 June 2026 Atlanta Botanical Garden Founded in 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden spreads over 30 acres adjacent to the grassy sprawl of Piedmont Park, and its footprint includes many lush gardens, walkways, and art installations. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 While no poultry or other species are currently affected, and Australia's international disease-free status holds, experts warn of severe consequences if the virus spreads to freshwater ducks. John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 The most notable change occurred in 2025 with the addition of a 48-inch panoramic display that spreads across the entire dashboard. James Raia, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
Noun
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 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 Nvidia carries top-tier credit ratings, the June notes priced at slender spreads over Treasuries, and the offering drew far more demand than the company sought. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 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 The mouthwatering spreads that were laid out each year did more than nourish Black Texans. Bobby J. Smith Ii, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 How far west the heavy rain threat spreads is still uncertain, which could mean the difference between significant flashing flooding in Houston or not much impact at all. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 16 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
  • Lee is also getting in on the Prime Day fun with 35% off select items for Lee rewards members (the discount applies automatically in your cart when signed in) and 20% off for non-members with promo code TAKE25.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 25 June 2026
  • The same applies to outdoor essentials like sprinkler systems, hoses, string lights, and yard decor.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Locals create authenticity but do not necessarily control how that authenticity circulates or is monetized through tourism.
    Carla Vecchiola, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • The system relies on a liquid coolant made up of 75 percent water and 25 percent propylene glycol, which circulates through cold plates attached to processors.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • That increases borrowing costs across the wider economy, including people’s mortgage rates.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • People taking diuretics, beta-blockers or any transdermal medication patches should check with a doctor first since heat significantly increases drug absorption through the skin.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 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
  • With 775 rooms, the palace also provides office space for the royal bureaucracy and hosts lavish state dinners for visiting presidents and potentates.
    Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
  • Ahead, an InStyle writer gathered six shoe styles to wear from the office to happy hour and dinners with friends.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 29 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