sweeping 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sweepingnext
as in broad
having considerable extent calls for sweeping changes in the way the nation manages security in its major ports

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sweeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sweep
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
Adjective
Coco says The final product was a beautiful off-the-shoulder gown with a subtle sweetheart neckline, draping at the hip, and a sweeping train. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 The restaurant is located on the top floor of the museum with sweeping views of the city. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Problems surged in 2020, after sweeping criminal justice reforms led by Capitol Hill’s Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen, who spearheaded softened penalties for crimes. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026 The biggest miss on the weekend was Texas sweeping Atlanta, which most of us missed. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping
  1. broad
  2. flowing
  3. curving
  4. extensive
  5. drifting
  6. wide
  7. gliding
  8. deep
Adjective
  • Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The ruling follows a broader shift toward rethinking the purpose of cash bail, mirroring larger criminal justice reforms in the state over the past decade or more.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad
Verb
  • Despite threats of a blockade of the Red Sea’s Bab-al-Mandeb strait from Iran’s Houthi allies, ship traffic has been flowing at a close-to-normal clip through that waterway in recent weeks.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Elsewhere is an exercise room, an art studio, and an office suite with its own entrance, as well as a primary suite boasting a walk-in closet and a luxe bath flowing out to a serene meditation garden with a hot tub.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of flowing
Verb
  • Its bright red star Antares marks the heart of the scorpion, with a curving tail extending downward toward the horizon.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Similar to other colubrids, this species possesses a Duvernoy’s gland—a venom gland located behind the eyes and connected by a tube to grooved, backward-curving teeth at the back of the upper jaw.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of curving
Adjective
  • Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Its analysis points to the extensive redesign work required to accommodate steam catapults, including their machinery, piping, water requirements and integration with the carrier’s existing electrical and internal systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Verb
  • If the object is drifting through the field of view from left to right, place it on the far left to keep it in view for as long as possible.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • And Chiles is the most versatile — capable of drifting between edge rusher and a coverage aide.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of drifting
Adjective
  • The next phase will include examining more types and grades of iron ore, since the Iron Range contains a wide variety of resources.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That sentiment inspires Sony Vizha – a celebration of Tamil culture, deeply rooted in emotion and imagined for a wider world.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of wide
Verb
  • In the videos, shot by drone by Joanna Steidle, the creatures can be seen gliding just beneath the water’s surface like hundreds of raviolis floating in aquamarine broth.
    — Sanidhya Sharma, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Video from his dash camera shows the aircraft gliding under a highway sign, missing it by mere feet, before touching down in the empty lanes.
    — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of gliding
Adjective
  • Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Not to be cheated in front of the largest assembly of Hall of Famers since the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Schwarber flew out twice to deep center field.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

sweep (away)
sweeping
sweeping (away)
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Cite this Entry

“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweeping. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sweeping for Spanish Speakers

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