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

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
What most takeaways missed is that the widest quarterly shortfall since late 2018 also reflected, to a degree, a policy choice. Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 14 May 2026 Garden peas have a very wide hardiness zone and are generally a cool-season crop. Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
Adverb
Suwon had an opportunity to tie the match in the 79th but Ji So-Yun's penalty went wide. ABC News, 20 May 2026 Each robot measures roughly 200 millimeters long and 20 millimeters wide. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • The design required the production team to bring a broad range of understandings, everything from electromagnetism, solenoid latches, lever arm weight multiplication, spring hinges, DMX triggers, foam fabrication, and sculpture.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
  • Given how oversold the stock is, combined with the sheer force of the broader market rally, that modest move is highly achievable.
    Nishant Pant, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Think loyalty program benefits, elevated dining, extensive amenities, and conveniences such as room service, late-night dining options, and an on-site spa.
    Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
  • It’s known for an extensive martini selection and dishes like crispy baked potato with crème fraîche and caviar; and branzino with fava beans, artichoke and snow pea salad.
    Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
Adverb
  • The dazzling variety of musical practices, across places and across time, surfaces this interplay in sensorily vivid terms, providing a unique opportunity to illuminate the role of history and environment on perceptual experiences that feel quite individual.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Francesco Caballero has been juggling a lot — quite literally.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Pantelleria Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a remote volcanic island dotted with traditional dammusi, thick-walled, domed stone dwellings built to keep out the heat.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • Rodriguez Singh appeared behind the thick visitation glass, just feet away, seemingly prepared to talk.
    Doug Dunbar, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • Lake Howell won its first state title in 2025, sweeping Reagan (Doral), also in three-straight sets, but Leman said this year was harder.
    Bill Kemp, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
Adverb
  • By emphasizing a chase being driven by the Mandalorian, the tone of the ride feels faster.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
  • Games are, in fact, faster, but even the players who haven’t gained a bit of speed are stealing bases at a higher rate.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • September 23 – October 22 A deeper feeling could interrupt your attempt to keep things light.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
  • Benjamín Echazarreta’s cinematography is alert to the workaday energy of the hotel as well as the eerie beauty of the setting, with its mix of fairy-tale wonder and bone-deep dread.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Adverb
  • The patio umbrella in question is perfectly oversized to cast a cool shadow over your entire lounge area.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
  • The gym and indoor pool were updated around a decade ago, so have not yet been zhuzhed into the style of the rest of the place, but each is perfectly serviceable.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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