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 For over a month, the country has been consumed by protests that erupted into widespread riots last weekend. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 By Thomas Adamson and John Leicester, Associated Press Clashes erupted as a mass march drew to a close in Paris on Saturday, a week after widespread rioting and looting. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Oct. 2026 Like Burns' daughter, Holly, Madeline had no idea her actions would prompt such widespread media attention. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Some 550,000 people took to the streets and the protests turned into widespread looting, arson and clashes with police. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread

Adjective

Spring water had to be channeled to collection areas, and then toward Solomon’s Pools, an extensive water-storage complex built south of Bethlehem.

— Michele Chabin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
After being closed for extensive renovations, the property is planning a grand re-opening for Spring 2025.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

The company plans to open-source the full model by the end of 2026, allowing wider access to its technology.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
In my experience, negative comments outnumber positive ones by an even wider margin than the nearly two-to-one ratio University of Minnesota researchers found.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

An expansive sun deck, with a pool and lounge chairs, is the perfect vantage point for sweeping views of the Nile River and its surroundings.

— Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026
The two sides already have a sweeping free trade agreement, known as CETA, that eliminated most tariffs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

Thunder general manager Sam Presti didn’t specify how long both will miss, but they are expected to miss months, at a minimum, putting their availability for any playoff run — especially a deep one — in serious doubt.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
The formulation also contains the patented Cell-Ox Shield Technology, which combines sun protection with antioxidants for deeper skin protection.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of widespread

adjective

Example Sentences

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