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
Check out our expert's list of the best ultra wide monitors for 2026, and take your pick. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026 Road closures around Dallas Stadium To support pedestrian movements from the Bus Hub, one southbound lane on Pennant Drive (from Road to Six Flags Drive to AT&T Way) will be closed to provide a wider pedestrian walkway. S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Then came No Kings 3, and something cracked wide open. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Zvonimir spread his never-ending arms out wide and brought them down in a celebratory boom. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • The agency's move from its current location in Washington, DC, to Utah's capital city is part of a broader strategy to place the forest service closer to the Western states that comprise the majority of the 193-million-acre forest system, the USDA announced March 31.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • On the broader military front, thousands of Marines aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in the Middle East on Friday, with additional forces en route from the West Coast.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The second-floor galleries dedicated to Arts of Asia and the Islamic world were realized after extensive construction, and the Great Hall was renovated in 2016, among other projects.
    News Desk, Artforum, 3 Apr. 2026
  • After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • No restaurant does classic Roman quite like Piatto Romano, a cluttered trattoria smack dab in the middle of Testaccio.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • At the start of the year, Jacob Elordi sat on the Jimmy Kimmel sofa to promote Wuthering Heights, wearing a pair of off-white Bottega Veneta loafers that were not quite ballet flats, but ascribed to this hybrid style (though many users compared them to ballet flats online).
    Jack Stanley, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Dramatic footage shows flames and thick black smoke billowing from the area around the airport, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
    Moriah Thomas, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The crowd remains thick, spanning the width of the street.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The sweeping structures bear a striking resemblance to the sensory organs sported by members of the insect world, which eventually granted them the nickname of the Antennae Galaxies.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • In the past week alone, for instance, tech company Meta reportedly planned sweeping layoffs ​while unveiling, just the day before, a stock program for executives that would increase their compensation by millions of dollars.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • For a metro growing as fast as Charlotte, stores that survive will have clear identity on price, in-store experience or convenience, Lempert said.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For others, the moment carries a deeper meaning.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Return to Earth and splashdown After the lunar flyby, the crew will spend several days heading back to Earth while continuing to conduct deep-space tests, including evaluations of power systems, thermal controls, and crew operations far beyond low Earth orbit.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • In the regional final against Notre Dame, Heckel drove past her defender and hit a falling-down right-hander that bounced perfectly off the glass and in right before the buzzer and gave UConn a 32-25 lead heading into the locker room at halftime.
    Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The operation seemingly goes perfectly, allowing Conley to walk off with another success.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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