BROAD Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'broad' different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad . While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: Where would 'deep' be a reasonable alternative to 'broad'?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

Q: When could 'wide' be used to replace 'broad'?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits. // rugs eight feet wide // a wide doorway

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broad different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits.

rugs eight feet wide

a wide doorway

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 broad Education and giving back are important values to the family as the project represents for them a broader impact within the natural diamond industry. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 The protests encompass a broad range of issues from pensions and housing to anti-war movements, education and corruption. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Starlink is SpaceX's broader commercial satellite internet network, while Starshield is the company's government operations built on Starlink technology. — Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 Some identity theft protection services offer broader monitoring that can help identify suspicious activity involving financial accounts, personal information and online accounts. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

The company aims to develop a wider lineup of electric-propulsion ships suited to different operating conditions and customer requirements.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The best seats will be the cheapest There is a wide spread in the available prices for tickets to see U2 on their 2027 tour.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

The certification follows extensive safety assessments, design reviews, and ground testing.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
China has backed its ambitions with extensive reforms that are explicitly meant to strengthen intellectual property protections.

— Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

These reveal problems that might not be obvious in the short term, such as liver damage, as well as underlying conditions that could turn minor issues into something serious.

— Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
If there are lessons from the 2025 wave of crypto IPOs, the most obvious is that investors should proceed with caution.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, described RIG-360 as critical to PAC-3 operations and in-flight performance.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Vance has faced general questions about his association with Carlson, a former Fox News host who faced backlash last year for interviewing antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast.

— Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

Back at the hotel, the heated Onsen pool etched into the cliff face proved to be the perfect spot to relax, while the larger infinity pool was the place from which to absorb sweeping views of the valley below.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Inside, large glass-curtain walls bring natural light into the sweeping lobby; as patrons move closer to the theaters, the design becomes more intimate, while the colors and textures become increasingly rich.

— Wendy Wang, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

The subtle, but unmistakable, undercurrent of apple sweetness struck me as a bit of a magic trick in a bread that, otherwise, to the eye and hand was just a soft white loaf.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
The vamp features an unmistakable signature of the Italian house, a horsebit.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

While countries like Sweden and France are pursuing similar deep geological repositories, Finland has officially crossed the finish line first.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
John Anderson, the beloved hitmaker known for his deep country warble, died on Wednesday at the age of 71.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of deep

Cite this Entry

Style

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of broad

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes