widespread

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈspred How to pronounce widespread (audio)
Definition of widespreadnext
as in extensive
having considerable extent a widespread area of drought

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 widespread Several counties reported widespread outages, with more than 80% of customers without power in some areas. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 These problems are showing even as some of Kennedy’s ideas, including his critiques of the American food supply and corporate influence, continue to have widespread appeal. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026 In these latest strikes, Ukraine struck a Yandex data center in Sasovo, Ryazan region, on Wednesday, causing widespread internet outages for Russian citizens. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 The storm brought widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 7 inches in the wetter areas, with some locations receiving even more. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
Adjective
  • California sought to adopt a price cap law this year as well, though the bill, which faced extensive lobbying from ticket resale platform StubHub, had failed.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Explain when your engagement is too extensive, when another type of provider may be a better fit and what responsibilities remain with the client.
    — Dennis Kirwan, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • By contrast, long-term investing remains focused on owning productive assets, participating in economic growth and aligning investment decisions with broader financial objectives.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, Hugo says the case encompasses a much broader body of work stemming from compositions the two created during nearly 50 studio sessions between 2019 and 2021.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • There’s a wide array of highly capable performance cars available at this price point, many of which offer eye-watering output and acceleration figures.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement The protests are also occurring amid a wider crisis of political confidence in the country.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • In France, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally is leading presidential polls ahead of the 2027 election and has called for a sweeping overhaul of public broadcasting, including privatization.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Election Commission of India, an independent constitutional body, has sweeping powers to ensure that the polls remain beyond reproach.
    — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • Both have built much of their appeal on opposition to the political establishment, the promise to wish away budget constraints, and deep hostility toward the European Union.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Acting was his guiding passion, but his deep love for the avant-garde helped till the ground for the city’s theatrical renaissance that the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival catalyzed.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

wide-ranging
widespread
widget
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widespread. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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