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
1
as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
the wind swept across the plain without respite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025
Besides the obvious discomfort, my grip never felt quite secure enough for the large, sweeping mouse movement required for a game like this.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
The wintry mix and rain sweeping across the Northeast continued Monday as another run of bad weather was set to hit the region later this week, meteorologists say.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Adjective
Goldman Sachs is refusing to back away from its analysis that Americans—not foreign exporters or overseas governments—are bearing the majority of costs from President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025
Besides the obvious discomfort, my grip never felt quite secure enough for the large, sweeping mouse movement required for a game like this.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Tampa Bay is tied with Atlanta at 8-7 but no longer controls its destiny in the NFC South because the Falcons own the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series.
—Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
The wintry mix and rain sweeping across the Northeast continued Monday as another run of bad weather was set to hit the region later this week, meteorologists say.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping
Adjective
-
Six months into his second term, President Donald Trump retains broad approval from his Republican base — but there has been some slippage, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
-
In Chicago and across the broader U.S. market, the numbers tell a similar story, albeit at slightly lower levels, 27% for Chicago and 26% more broadly.—
Gleb Tsipursky,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The curving observation tower functions as a massive sundial and marks the changing of the seasons.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
-
Its design is inspired by ancient Sun worship, as well as watchtowers that were once used to warn Chinese Emperors of seaborne attacks, and its curving form has been constructed from two layers of slanted concrete shells that echo the sound of the waves.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
In addition, showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar recently sat down for an extensive interview about the show and its future.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The author initially believed that extensive aerobic exercise alone was sufficient for good health, neglecting the importance of diet.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The England international, who is capable of playing at No 10 or wide, has made 167 appearances and scored 40 goals for the south London club.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Born on October 14, 1946, in New York City, Sloan built an impressive resume with early assignments as a writer and producer on a wide range of TV dramas.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Whetstone sharpening involves soaking a low-to-high grit stone in water and gliding a dull blade up and down it at an angle, removing steel to create a sharp edge.—
Ahmed Ali Akbar,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
-
With Neptune gliding through your third house of communication, learning and mental processes, everything from your thoughts to the dynamics of your inner circles will undergo a subtle but powerful transformation.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But this may be FIU’s deepest position with players such as Antonio Patterson, Shamir Sterlin, Sadonnie Gay and Jessiah McGrew pushing for playing time.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The Yale model’s 1.8% price impact aligns with retail plans: selective increases in metal-heavy and electronics-adjacent categories, balanced by deeper promotions and expanded private-label offerings to keep key price points stable.—
Brian Delp,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
After ten days of cruising Antarctic waters, dodging icebergs, and spotting elephant seals, the cruise’s 140 passengers could toss their Dramamine, catch a plane from the gravel runway at Frei Station research base, and fly straight back to Chile.—
Blair Braverman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Starting at $203,000, the Sportster 25 Surf is the company’s newest, smallest, and sportiest boat, engineered for wake-surfers skilled enough to bob behind a boat cruising at 11 miles per hour.—
Jaclyn Trop,
Robb Report,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
For the most discerning travelers, the Noble and Royal suites offer expansive layouts with separate living and dining areas, impeccable design, and panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline—the perfect contrast to the natural vistas experienced during your Zion adventure.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
But making the most of this requires expansive thinking.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweeping. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share