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
For Ngbape, maintaining that surveillance is critical to preventing individual infections from developing into wider chains of transmission. ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 Interestingly, there has been very little research on the effects inflicted on a wide-binary companion during such an event. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The Brink Of War from Angel Studios opens wide on 2,073 screens. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 Brands like Tory Burch, Khaite, Proenza Schouler, Chanel, Michael Kors, Aquazzura, Bottega Veneta and more have showcased the style in their recent shoe collections, and they are expected to go wide this fall through more accessible brands. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
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
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
Adverb
  • That was quite confusing, so the clubs voted to get rid of it.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Few countries have felt the force of the insect’s impact quite like South Africa.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Swathes of those still standing are marked for death, their fate written like braille in the form of scores of tiny holes — no thicker than a dot left by a ballpoint pen — beneath the bark.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Eastern handles are shorter and thicker, catering more to those who use a Penhold grip, where the head of the paddle is facing down and the paddle is held like a pen.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Joshua trees dot the property, and sweeping mountain views stretch across the horizon.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Related Articles The images show whole walls collapsed, leaving its interior with sweeping views of the city.
    Kim Córdova, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • As the outbreak spreads and kills people faster than any other outbreak of the disease in history, a major source of concern for monitoring efforts is miners constantly on the move and in hard-to-reach, unsafe territories.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The river is particularly dangerous near Hazel Dell Parkway and 106th Street in Carmel, where fast-moving waters washed out a bridge, commissioners said.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
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
Adverb
  • If Menorca were instead described as a refreshing gazpacho, this 18th-century rural estate converted into a luxury hotel would be the perfectly satisfying last spoonful.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Swift’s engagement ring, which has been estimated to have a minimum value of $550,000, fits perfectly with the band, Fitzpatrick noted.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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