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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 Central Florida will see more widespread showers and thunderstorms this weekend and into next week as a disturbance moves across the region and brings additional moisture, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. — Keily Alfonzo, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 While her dad passed down his green thumb to her, ever since their family cultivated a victory garden for the troops during World War II, Stewart pointed out that gardening has been gaining widespread popularity in recent months. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 At the University of Texas, Republican Bo French drew widespread, bipartisan condemnation for his attack on South Asian students celebrating their football team’s win. — Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2026 The emergency stems from a sharp rise in high-risk methamphetamine use, with widespread needle sharing among drug users acting as a primary driver for the surging infection rates, the AP reported. — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
Adjective
  • The 60-seat restaurant is known for its cooked-to-perfection aged steaks, seafood towers, classic cocktails and extensive wine list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the extensive search, investigators never found the gun, a Tipp City detective testified Monday during Flynn's murder trial in Ohio.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • But advocates for broader vaccine restrictions have promised to renew their push in future legislative sessions.
    — Sally C. Pipes, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Few investors have broad appeal like Buffett At the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of business, trips for students to Berkshire’s annual meetings were always a hot ticket.
    — Josh Funk, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • Kyiv's military administration said the overnight attacks struck more than 10 locations in the capital, while 33 sites were damaged in the wider region.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That's the bit that turns this from niche server hardware into something a much wider group of people might genuinely use.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • After Ortega said in July that Nicaragua would scrap all future elections, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had recently announced sweeping sanctions on dozens of Nicaraguan leaders, vowed consequences.
    — Ismael López, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • His frequent, sweeping cross-field balls to right wing-back Daniel Munoz helped Forest find space in which to hurt their opponents.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • This appointment arrives as Nike navigates deep operational restructuring and severe market headwinds.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The work is meant to address the 3- to 6-inch-deep depression on Pocket Road, city spokesperson Carlos Eliason said.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 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 24 Sep. 2026.

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