1
: over or through a wide area
has traveled widely
2
: to a great extent
departed widely from the previous edition
3
: by or among a large well-dispersed group of people
a widely known political figure
4
: over a broad range
… persons with widely fluctuating incomes.—
Current Biography
Current BiographyExamples of widely in a Sentence
Their products are widely available.
a widely known political figure
The books are widely read by adults as well as children.
Recent Examples on the Web
On the list were three widely beloved movies about the triumph of the human spirit—and also Ordinary People, a bleak domestic drama that offers no happy ending.
—The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Post laments that general dining etiquette is not something that’s taught widely in the US.
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
After minor roles in the first and second Godfather films — not to mention several of her father's other projects — Sofia's larger role in the third was widely panned by critics at the time.
—Alex Heigl, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
The heat can come from a wide variety of chile peppers, and as such the intensity can vary widely.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025
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The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Post laments that general dining etiquette is not something that’s taught widely in the US.
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
After minor roles in the first and second Godfather films — not to mention several of her father's other projects — Sofia's larger role in the third was widely panned by critics at the time.
—Alex Heigl, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
The heat can come from a wide variety of chile peppers, and as such the intensity can vary widely.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for widely
Cite this Entry
“Widely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widely. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
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