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 When the world experienced what was likely one of the strongest El Niño events in the historical record in the late 1870s, the climate pattern coincided with widespread drought, crop failures and a global famine that killed millions. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The 2023 wave of large-language-model adoption produced widespread experimentation but very little production deployment in compliance-critical workflows, because the cost of a wrong answer in regulation remains higher than the cost of a slow one. — Matthew White, Fortune, 7 July 2026 But Kim Hong-yeol, a professor at Seoul’s Duksung Women’s University, said the law could encourage widespread self-censorship and discourage reporting or discussions on sensitive issues. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed parts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri under a general thunderstorm outlook for Wednesday, so widespread severe weather is not expected. — Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
Adjective
  • But the projects often require extensive structural, plumbing, mechanical and redesign work that can make the project more complicated than building new housing from scratch.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Canonization is the process through which a deceased individual may become a saint, or is confirmed through an extensive research process to be in heaven.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Organizing the festival during wartime has given it a broader purpose, Isaienko said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Products with a broad range, such as beer, would benefit from multiple subcategories, ensuring that the production process is not prioritized over the alcoholic content.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • Members love Thrive Market's wide selection of high-quality products and speedy shipping.
    — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Pélisson previously told Variety that animation and co-productions have become key drivers of French content’s appeal abroad, reflecting the sector’s ability to travel across borders and reach a wide range of audiences.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 July 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • Ezra Jin, the founder of Zion Church, was among dozens of members caught up in a sweeping crackdown by Chinese authorities late last year.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • His use of the presidency’s sweeping ability to unilaterally grant pardons and commute sentences is among the ways the Republican’s return to office has featured an expansive use of executive power.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • The arils are deep ruby-red in color and have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that many people find refreshing.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Facing intense competition, Accor recognized the need for deeper customer retention and advocacy.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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