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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
Sit facing forward and grab the bar far toward the ends so your grip is wide. Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025 There was still the magic in the hands at the net and incredible pick-ups that made the player himself light up with the widest of smiles. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
According to a 2020 Palo Alto Networks report, 83% of medical imaging devices were running on unsupported operating systems that no longer receive security patches, leaving them wide open to malware. Srinivas Shekar, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 That left Tucker wide open for the score. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • This framework emerged from the understanding that lasting financial performance depends on broader societal and environmental health.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Morgan Stanley’s team argues that headline economic data—nominal GDP, broad employment numbers—lag reality and often miss serious underlying weakness.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To bring this vision to life, Everton turned to Populous, the sports and entertainment design firm whose extensive back catalogue includes the likes of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley and The Sphere in Las Vegas.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Prosecutors in this case showed extensive communications between mother and son, illustrating their close relationship and how Donna kept track of things for Charles, who in turn solved all kinds of problems for her.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The silk faille jacket was not quite white but a pale blush, and the loose pants and top beneath had an intricate pattern of silver beads.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • To my surprise, the burger was quite good; a gooey mesh of meat and cheese became one flesh.
    Joe Joyce, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because of that, thick fire walls were installed throughout the plant's buildings.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The air was damp and listless and the heat was something to wade through, thick as molasses.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike rampant litigation costs which, before Florida lawmakers introduced sweeping reforms between 2022 and 2023, contributed to bringing up premiums in the state over the past five years, these fines will not negatively affect homeowners' insurance rates, regulators said.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Democrats seized on the remark as dismissive of vulnerable Iowans, rolling out digital ads that replayed the clip to highlight the stakes of the GOP’s sweeping tax and immigration bill.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Mornings are also heating up faster than afternoons.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • White oak White oak is a large shade tree displays deep red to coppery-brown fall color.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Late in the second quarter, facing second-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 35, Rodgers led receiver Calvin Austin III perfectly with one of those off-balance wrist-flick throws 14 yards past the line of scrimmage from the far hash, for a 30-yard gain.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In short, the Norfleet touchdown perfectly encapsulated the role of fourth-down aggression in this game.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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