wide 1 of 2

Definition of widenext

wide

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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
The two-piece set includes a long-sleeve, V-neck top and wide-leg bottoms with a drawcord and elastic waist that provides a relaxed, cozy fit. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025 Style them with wide-leg jeans and a trench coat for an effortless street-style moment, or wear them with leggings and an oversized sweater for weekend errands. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Adverb
Rodgers threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left and Pittsburgh secured the AFC North title with a 26-24 victory when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal wide right as time expired on Sunday night in the final game of the NFL’s regular season. Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026 But the rookie’s kick sailed wide right just as time expired, sending the Steelers into the playoffs and ending the Ravens’ season on a heartbreaking note. Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • The aim is to dig into general themes rather than specific transfers that are currently ongoing to give a broad picture of as many elements as possible.
    Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The listing, which could be the largest IPO on record, underscores a broader shift.
    CNBC.com staff, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The system comes preloaded with a vision–language–action (VLA) large model and more than 10,000 real-world data samples, enabling it to perform complex tasks without extensive setup or calibration.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The Denver Police Department warned that extensive road closures are in place, and all intersections surrounding the area are closed.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Everything was really incorrect for the period—shiny, sparkly, overdone—but the actual shapes and silhouettes of his clothes are quite accurate.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
  • But the Panthers were also quite consistent in some ways.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • They’re made of a buttery soft, thick material that will keep you warm and cozy at home all winter.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Too thick of a mascara coat, and suddenly my gaze droops.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • In this sense, sweeping surveys such as this might count people like me—someone who has close friends but lacks friend groups—among the lonely.
    Jenny Singer, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Act fast to shop Amazon’s current hottest deals because prices aren’t guaranteed to last through the month.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • It’s wrapped in coral velvet — a soft and highly absorbent fabric that dries fast, according to shoppers.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This design helps the sensor capture bright highlights and deep shadows in the same frame.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • This could be easily written off as the financial mismanagement of youth, but taken as a whole, Gen Z’s outlook on the economy is at once a rejection of conventional wisdom and a deep, almost subconscious absorption of the commodification of everything.
    Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • His pass over the top of the defense was perfectly placed, allowing Flagg to catch it and do the rest.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Her accessories truly made the look, including a pair of crystal drop earrings, bowed stilettos, and a velvet bag, which perfectly matched Prince Harry’s velvety tux.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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