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

The company agreed to make sweeping changes for teenage users, including adding daily usage limits. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The train winds up Michigan’s west coast, offering brief but sweeping views of Lake Michigan and bisecting lush, Midwestern farmland dotted with trees resplendent in their autumn wardrobes. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

Miami has lost three of its last four overall since sweeping Washington in a three-game series last weekend. — Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 Following Miller’s and Young’s plea agreement, Missouri lawmakers were divided in their opinions on whether to change the sweeping stand-your-ground laws enacted in 2016. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping

Adjective

Sunderland, of course, spent heavily last season after coming up from the Championship, and there is a broad consensus that promoted teams need to do so to quickly bring their squads up to scratch.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The approach fits the US military’s broader effort to increase the availability of hypersonic flight-test infrastructure.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of broad

Verb

Previous research suggested Saturn's hexagon results from an eastward jet within its atmosphere flowing in a curving path near the ringed planet's north pole.

— Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Progress has been hampered by persistent rain and challenging terrain, as crews have to work in a narrow mountain gorge, hemmed in between unstable cliffs and a fast-flowing river.

— Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

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
The designer’s signature heeled shoes, first introduced in 1959, feature a distinctive inward-curving heel, and comes in four styles, including pumps, slingback heels, boots, and cuissardes.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of curving

Verb

The passage of play (below) lasted about 40 seconds from the moment Arsenal’s No 7 started drifting across the pitch, repeatedly calling for the ball to be played left.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
But sometimes, inaccurate coordinates or a drifting boat make the search trickier.

— Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of drifting

Adjective

The project aims to safely integrate Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into US airspace, using operational data to shape aviation policy and support wider commercialization.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Beyond powering vehicles, the wider machinic complex also depended on fossil fuels.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

Core aerators remove plugs about 2 to 4 inches deep and around 1/2-inch wide, and spaced about 2 to 6 inches apart, dropping them on the lawn surface.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Lovano expressed deep gratitude to Collins for steering the festival for many years and keeping the atmosphere alive.

— Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026