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

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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 Reducing dependence on imports Moving from the development of semiconductor equipment to widespread commercial deployment can require extensive testing and customer qualification. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026 This has coincided with a widespread belief that humans will inevitably confirm that extraterrestrials exist. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Today, the Joliet center is plagued by widespread conditions of solitary confinement, rampant violence and endemic self-harm. — Joan Steffen, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026 Rip currents will be widespread and very strong, potentially pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread

Adjective

All require extensive discussion which would bring up a multitude of additional questions.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Fault-tolerant machines require extensive error correction, which adds more hardware and control requirements.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

Sunderland, of course, spent heavily last season after coming up from the Championship, and there is a broad consensus that promoted teams need to do so to quickly bring their squads up to scratch.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The approach fits the US military’s broader effort to increase the availability of hypersonic flight-test infrastructure.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

The project aims to safely integrate Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into US airspace, using operational data to shape aviation policy and support wider commercialization.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Beyond powering vehicles, the wider machinic complex also depended on fossil fuels.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

But even with its new foundation and sweeping ceiling, the history of the old, deteriorating barn won’t be lost.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
New York City just instituted a sweeping ban on schools using AI in the classroom through the start of high school, along with other restrictions on the technology.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

Many athletes are motivated by a deep hatred of losing, more so than a love of winning.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
There’s also a deep respect for craftsmanship—from marble carving, for which the Cyclades are famous, to fishing, farming, and handmade work.

— Chadner Navarro, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

wide-ranging

widespread

widget

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“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widespread. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of widespread

adjective

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