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

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 He was reportedly hospitalized on June 14, and there has been widespread speculation about his whereabouts and overall health. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 18 Aug. 2026 In western Pennsylvania, there's widespread opposition to the latest data center proposal in the region. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 The distinction reflects different capabilities, and seeing similar challenges emerge across a broad range of real-world deployments suggested the issue may be more widespread than initially expected. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 There’s widespread thinking that Iran is not in much of a hurry. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread

Adjective

Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Its analysis points to the extensive redesign work required to accommodate steam catapults, including their machinery, piping, water requirements and integration with the carrier’s existing electrical and internal systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

Netanyahu is not on record as making that remark, but the slogan reflects a broader narrative promoted by Iranian hardliners, portraying women who do not wear the hijab as, at the very least, disloyal to their country.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Gonzalez Rogers is overseeing the broader multidistrict litigation consolidating nearly 3,000 pending lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snap and YouTube over alleged harms to children and teens.

— Jeffrey Kopp, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

Trade talks with Canada collapsed late Friday night, setting in motion steep 50% tariffs on a wide swath of Canadian goods.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026
Culinary Experiences All 8 million New Yorkers bring unique perspectives and ways of life to the city, which makes way for many vibrant neighborhoods with a wide array of foods to try.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

Struggle for self-sufficiency The devastating outbreak reshaped China’s blood products industry, prompting sweeping regulations throughout the entire chain from plasma collection to clinical use.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Trump first threatened to impose the sweeping 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods on July 20, 2026.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

There was no controversy about this New York win, a night after Pete Alonso's deep fly ball against the Yankees was ruled foul with the game tied.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Born and raised in Nogales, Mexico, the fourth of twelve children, Trujillo had deep community roots.

— Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

wide-ranging

widespread

widget

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Style

“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widespread. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of widespread

adjective

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