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 Corpus Christi, Laredo, San Antonio, Brownsville and Kerrville are among the South Texas cities under a flood watch through Monday morning, where widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches are likely. — ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026 The action snowballed into widespread expressions of dissatisfaction with the cost of living and job prospects. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2026 The album earned widespread critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and the distinctive interplay between Lloyd’s and Verlaine’s guitars. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2026 The zoo also recently renovated its orangutan habitat and is working to recover from attendance declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, a widespread problem for many similar organizations. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
Adjective
  • Fraser Shilling, director of the Road Ecology Center, and his team determined that extensive fencing on highways is the solution to reducing roadkill, not just wildlife crossings.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The plan does not include crosswalks, which city spokesperson Jack VanderToll said require more extensive work such as accessible sidewalks and curb ramps.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • The radar systems are expected to provide an important detection and tracking layer within the broader US counter-UAS architecture.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • But the midterms revealed a broad backlash against redistricting efforts in the South that were aimed at boosting Republicans and, by extension, reducing Black representation.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • The project forms part of the wider VaMEx initiative, which aims to explore Valles Marineris, a vast canyon system stretching approximately 1864 miles across Mars.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The school board also OK’d a $15 million bond issuance to pay for district-wide renovations.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • The stone pavilions of Amanruya pepper the hills of Bodrum’s north coastline, with sweeping views of the Aegean and the scent of cypress trees ever-present.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The most remarkable accommodation is the Caroline Astor garden terrace suite, which not only has a sweeping terrace but also a private outdoor infinity pool overlooking the city.
    — Wendy O'Dea, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • For a deeper look at its cultural history, take a boat from Oban to remote Oneke, or The Neck, an early Māori settlement and the tūrangawaewae—place of belonging—of Rakiura Māori.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • If successful, the work could help future missions explore areas that are difficult for conventional rovers to reach, including deep valleys and underground environments.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

wide-ranging
widespread
widget
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Cite this Entry

“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widespread. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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