SWEEPING Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

sweeping 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sweeping

as in broad

having considerable extent calls for sweeping changes in the way the nation manages security in its major ports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sweeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sweep

as in flowing

to move or proceed smoothly and readily the wind swept across the plain without respite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in curving

to turn away from a straight line or course from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straightening

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 sweeping

Adjective

Danbury was targeted in a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in August and activists voiced concerns about possible collaboration between Danbury police and ICE. — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026 Not to say that Macbeth is pandering; but this big, sweeping production with all of the fixings is a solid kick-off to the calendar. — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Dodgers sweeping the Padres would be the only bad result for San Diego, and even then, the Diamondbacks would need to sweep the Rockies for the final series of the season to matter. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Mater Dei handed the Trailblazers their first defeat by sweeping both sets. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping

Adjective

ConnCORP, meanwhile, is spearheading First HAVEN, a broader $200 million redevelopment project in Dixwell.

— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Instead, it is intended to become a broader technology ecosystem combining private companies, investment, research and development and military testing.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of broad

Verb

As the lethal dose of the sedative pentobarbital began flowing, Ramey took a deep breath, sputtered and began snoring.

— MICHAEL GRACZYK, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
The power grid automatically moves it, continuously flowing, to wherever demand is spiking, the moment it’s needed.

— Thomas Zawacki, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

There was a gladiatorial spirit to the earlier stadium, with its dual towers connected by an elegantly curving grandstand with a series of arches facing the street.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
And weighty ropes—the sort that might be used to moor a boat—are braided with chains and arranged on the ground in the form of a curving river.

— Carolina A. Miranda, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of curving

Adjective

The 60-seat restaurant is known for its cooked-to-perfection aged steaks, seafood towers, classic cocktails and extensive wine list.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Despite the extensive search, investigators never found the gun, a Tipp City detective testified Monday during Flynn's murder trial in Ohio.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of extensive

Verb

The bay facing the western shore of Newfoundland is the mouth—the gaping estuary—of the Saint Lawrence, Newfoundland on the chart detached and apparently drifting out to sea.

— Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
By contrast, heart rate barely moved during the control trial, drifting from 85 to 80 bpm.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of drifting

Adjective

Available in both standard and wide sizes, this sneaker is designed with shock absorption to keep you feeling light on your feet.

— Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
In amphibians, chytridiomycosis causes a wide variety of symptoms including skin damage, red skin, convulsions, and eventually leads to heart failure.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of wide

Verb

Infused with sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, squalane, and shea butter, Dear Dahlia’s Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow feels like, well, butter gliding onto your lips.

— Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026
Then the foils lifted free, and the ship took to the sky, gliding low over the water like a pelican skimming the waves.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of gliding

Adjective

Like other Vionic shoes, these have a deep heel cup to stabilize the foot and ankle.

— Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
Such abandonment wounds are deep and destabilizing; the younger the child, the deeper the wound and the harder to form a sense of self and of value as an adult.

— Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026