WIDESPREAD Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

widespread

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈspred

Definition of widespread

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 He was reportedly hospitalized on June 14, and there has been widespread speculation about his whereabouts and overall health. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 18 Aug. 2026 In western Pennsylvania, there's widespread opposition to the latest data center proposal in the region. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 The distinction reflects different capabilities, and seeing similar challenges emerge across a broad range of real-world deployments suggested the issue may be more widespread than initially expected. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 There’s widespread thinking that Iran is not in much of a hurry. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread

Adjective

Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Its analysis points to the extensive redesign work required to accommodate steam catapults, including their machinery, piping, water requirements and integration with the carrier’s existing electrical and internal systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
The ruling follows a broader shift toward rethinking the purpose of cash bail, mirroring larger criminal justice reforms in the state over the past decade or more.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

The next phase will include examining more types and grades of iron ore, since the Iron Range contains a wide variety of resources.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
That sentiment inspires Sony Vizha – a celebration of Tamil culture, deeply rooted in emotion and imagined for a wider world.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

There was no controversy about this New York win, a night after Pete Alonso's deep fly ball against the Yankees was ruled foul with the game tied.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Born and raised in Nogales, Mexico, the fourth of twelve children, Trujillo had deep community roots.

— Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

wide-ranging

widespread

widget

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Style

“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widespread. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of widespread

adjective

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