as in extensive
having considerable extent
a widespread area of drought
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
That's an outcome that experts say would lead to widespread financial hardship among seniors, disabled people, and children and spouses of deceased workers.
—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
The disappearance of the two calves sparked a widespread search, with actor Alicia Silverstone even stepping in and offering $50,000 for information about the giraffes’ whereabouts.
—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
The final bill has received widespread support in the housing community, both from organizations representing landlords and large property owners as well as groups that advocate for tenants and low-income renters.
—
Michael Casey,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
About a third of France is under ’’red alert″ heat, and temperatures reached 104 degrees in some areas in a country where air conditioning isn’t widespread.
—
Angela Charlton,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for widespread
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
The disappearance of the two calves sparked a widespread search, with actor Alicia Silverstone even stepping in and offering $50,000 for information about the giraffes’ whereabouts.
—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
The final bill has received widespread support in the housing community, both from organizations representing landlords and large property owners as well as groups that advocate for tenants and low-income renters.
—
Michael Casey,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
About a third of France is under ’’red alert″ heat, and temperatures reached 104 degrees in some areas in a country where air conditioning isn’t widespread.
—
Angela Charlton,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
Adjective
-
Don't wait for a perfect plan or extensive training; real learning in pricing, marketing, and operations occurs through direct action and adaptation.
-
Battiloro was arrested following an extensive investigation and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and multiple traffic offenses, according to prosecutors.
Adjective
-
The announcement signals a potential compromise in a standoff that had threatened to delay Bell’s confirmation and raised broader questions about governance at Florida’s flagship university.
-
That idea has broad support from lawmakers, though most housing experts disagree that such a step is needed.
Adjective
-
Born in Brooklyn to a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother, Basquiat drew on a wide range of cultural references that shaped both his life and his work.
-
The same went for a wide throw from Anthony Volpe, which let Boston score on a potential double play ball in the eighth inning.
Adjective
-
Cuba’s Communist Party has approved 176 free‑market measures, which are described as the most sweeping economic overhaul since the revolution, dismantling pillars of state control and decentralizing a system battered by crisis.
-
South Florida Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar is expressing skepticism over the Cuban government's announcement of sweeping economic reforms that would open key sectors of the island's economy to private and foreign investment.
Adjective
-
While the artist’s work resonates with audiences around the world, Miami’s deep Caribbean and Latin American cultures, central to the city’s identity, may allow many visitors to connect in a deeper way.
-
The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
Cite this Entry
“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widespread. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
