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 Our testing shows that lead contamination at levels that pose a risk to residents’ health is fairly widespread — even in sites that the EPA previously addressed. — Cassandra Garibay, ProPublica, 4 Aug. 2026 But despite their widespread popularity, many people wonder whether English muffins are actually a healthy choice or simply another refined grain best enjoyed in moderation. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 There have been no widespread disruptions to water supplies or wastewater treatment so far, sources said. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Josée became aware of MAID through this widespread media coverage. — Sai Rajagopal, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread

Adjective

There’s also an swanky Indian restaurant, Indian Accent, for authentic upscale dishes and an extensive global wine list.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
Over the past few years, Boots has been delving into its extensive data to test and try products and began introducing stand-alone beauty retail concepts, the latest of which opened in Bristol earlier this month.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

The broader Great American AI Act seeks one federal baseline, while antitrust and chatbot bills target risk-sharing, labeling and consumer deception.

— Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The big retailers have also struggled in the past to capture a broader slice of the healthcare pie.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

Enterprise Mobility offers a sweeping sustainability program, including a carbon offset option that allows customers to purchase carbon credits from third-party partner Terrapass at the time of rental.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
China has now codified that drive in a sweeping new ethnic unity law, which came into force July 1.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.

— Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of widespread

adjective

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