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 Initially, CEOs warned of widespread job replacement, but now emphasize AI's role in productivity and growth, aiming for employee adoption. — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 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 While the potential for a software error across autonomous vehicles is widespread, an error in lidar systems is grave considering its implementation in cars across America. — Melissa Lee,paige Tortorelli,scott Zamost, CNBC, 7 July 2026 The middle of the week should offer the best opportunity for outdoor plans without widespread weather disruptions. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 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
  • The data can only show associations in brain difference of professional players, not the broader population, and researchers can’t determine what number of impacts to the head might start to show long-term damage.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • Those include loyalty, membership or rewards programs that customers enroll in or if the savings are offered to broad groups of people, such as teachers, military members or senior citizens.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • As the pass map below shows, Oyarzabal concentrated more on linking play, frequently dropping deeper than wide attackers Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • The government’s monthslong internet shutdown also strangled parts of the economy – especially those with foreign clients – that relied on the world wide web.
    — Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • The final stretch crosses onto Whidbey Island via Deception Pass Bridge, where sweeping coastal views and quiet communities await.
    — Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • In June, Indiana's childcare agency unveiled a sweeping new policy proposal aimed at expanding access by, among other things, easing licensing requirements.
    — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • Schmitt brought in an insurance run in the eighth, batting in Arraez with a sharp double to deep left-center.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
  • Fans of Brazil, Colombia and Portugal also were crushed that their teams, expected to make deep runs, crashed out so early.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 10 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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