wide 1 of 2

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

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
Graduate workers fill a wide range of roles at the university, including teaching classes and conducting research. Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 The campus-wide installation fills galleries and gardens alike with vibrant color, monumental forms, and immersive works that highlight the artist’s extraordinary influence on contemporary glass art. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
While Splitter remains a candidate for the full-time job, the franchise opened its search before the season ended, a practice that is frowned upon league-wide. Devon Henderson, New York Times, 1 May 2026 The mature height is 20 to 30 feet tall and wide. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • The race came amid a broader power struggle between the two sides of City Hall early in both Mamdani and Menin’s leadership, but the election will also have a more immediate impact.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Every personal finance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • So Whaffle’s strict period accuracy requires extensive research.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Adverb
  • However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Keep moisture in the soil by adding a a 3- or 4-inch-thick layer of insulating, coarse wood (NOT BARK) mulch, leaving some bare sunny spots for ground dwelling native bees.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Then remove a few of the oldest, thickest living stems, cutting them down to about 2 inches from the ground.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • As Los Angeles city officials weigh a sweeping rewrite of the city’s governing rules that could go before voters this fall, a marathon public hearing this week offered a revealing snapshot of what Angelenos want from City Hall, and what may be harder to change.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • Hike the 1/3-mile-long Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail to take in sweeping views of the surrounding forest and valley below.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Adverb
  • Healthcare costs also have gone up fast.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Mercury in your 3rd House of Communication keeps conversations active and fast-moving.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But for many, the occasion carried a deeper meaning, one centered on those who dreamed of connecting Los Angeles to Chicago by road generations before them.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • The songs were radiant, ecstatic, and cleansing, a deep exhale from a band freed from boardroom expectations.
    Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Adverb
  • This ensured all the layers and corners of this massive piece of gear were perfectly sanitized.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 1 May 2026
  • That celebration — with all its intensity — perfectly encapsulated the effort of the KU defense Saturday.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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