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

Democrats' sweeping midterm victories have renewed momentum for taxing the wealthy on a national level. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026 In September, Massie, who lost his primary race earlier this year after Trump endorsed an opponent, stood on the House floor for more than 67 minutes reading his sweeping 34-page resolution with eight articles of impeachment aloud. — Jonathan Karl, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

During the winter, the Mistral here is powerful, sweeping across the island and reshaping the landscape. — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026 The move by American Airlines aligns with a broader trend sweeping the credit card sector. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping

Adjective

The radar systems are expected to provide an important detection and tracking layer within the broader US counter-UAS architecture.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
But the midterms revealed a broad backlash against redistricting efforts in the South that were aimed at boosting Republicans and, by extension, reducing Black representation.

— BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of broad

Verb

Another key feature are the balconies overlooking the gently flowing Shirakawa River.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
The site says consistency matters more than duration and that practitioners can work up to 1 to 2 hours a day, though even 1-minute breaks between tasks help keep energy flowing.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
The tangle of stubby points stood out like overgrown thumbs, and the down-curving prongs on either side of his head were at least a foot long.

— Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of curving

Adjective

An extensive breakfast buffet is served in SINEDIE alongside a la carte options such as eggs royale.

— Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
On Djerba Island, meanwhile, beaches and extensive resort infrastructure make combining an eclipse chase with a conventional Mediterranean vacation particularly easy — with a view of Mos Eisley thrown in for good measure.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of extensive

Verb

Five people, including two children, were rescued this week in the South Pacific island nation of Kiribati after three months drifting at sea in a 20-foot skiff, authorities said.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Meanwhile, crash cymbals and electric guitar keep Rowland’s Carolina drawl from drifting too far into a folk sound.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of drifting

Adjective

Days after losing the governor’s race by a wide margin, Republican Steve Hilton argued Thursday his campaign should serve as a template for future GOP tickets and hinted at a potential second run for governor.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The top looks so similar to the sweater Rory wore in the show’s very first episode, and the pants have a wide fit and stretchy waistband that will accommodate second helpings of dinner.

— Natalie LaBarbera, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of wide

Verb

At times jutting outward and at others gliding along the grain of electronic texture, Chen’s voice tracks the form of the instrumentals like a sculptor working in relief.

— James Gui, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
It is carried to high speed and altitude by a rocket booster before separating and gliding through the atmosphere toward its target.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of gliding

Adjective

That gives camper travelers the ability to drive cleanly and quietly through city centers, around campgrounds and down deep forest roads.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
In the Soil Grubs and some types of moth larvae may dig in even deeper and overwinter directly in the soil itself.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026