Definition of widenext

wide

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wide different from other adjectives like it?

The words broad and deep are common synonyms of wide. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits.

rugs eight feet wide
a wide doorway

In what contexts can broad take the place of wide?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is deep a more appropriate choice than wide?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

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 wide
Adjective
Greene and Martin were among KCBS/KCAL staffers let go in 2008 as part of station-wide budget cuts. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026 The buds muster a fairly wide soundstage as well, which helps some of the atmospherics ring out. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Adverb
Butker was wide right, his fifth miss in seven tries from 50-plus yards this season. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Most examples from the region measure about two to four inches long and less than an inch wide. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
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
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
Adverb
  • There’s nothing quite like it in Philadelphia—and yet the 18th-century historic space feels right at home in the neighborhood.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But this matchup didn’t quite live up to the hype after Doncic continued his early season dominance in the Lakers’ 138-117 win.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Aside from an occasional shuffle or snuffle from my fellow campers, the night was draped in a thick blanket of stress-shrinking quiet.
    — Heather Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The jet slammed nose-first like a missile into a busy Palm Beach County road, before erupting into flames and sending thick black smoke into the sky, dashcam video shows.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Choose the next manageable step, and leave the sweeping verdict for another day.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • There’s also fine French cuisine at Nouvelle Epoque in the adjoining wing, and The Orchid offers elegant all-day dining with sweeping views, and Toh-Ka-Lin is the Chinese option.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Raytheon is developing a new type of processor that could help US military systems recognize incoming threats faster.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Asia-Pacific region has been the world’s fastest-growing region in recent years, with banking and financial services, IT software and services, and the semiconductor industry driving the region’s economic growth.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Nov. 2026
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
Adverb
  • Gigi Hadid broke out the trend in corduroy pants form, which is perfectly seasonal with soft and warm fabric paired with a relaxed design.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On the long touchdown catch-and-run, Johnson and Mahomes worked it perfectly.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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