sweeping 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sweepingnext
as in broad
having considerable extent calls for sweeping changes in the way the nation manages security in its major ports

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sweeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sweep
1
as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily the wind swept across the plain without respite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curving
to turn away from a straight line or course from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sweeping
Adjective
Visitors can explore a network of scenic loop trails that wind through salt marshes and mangrove habitats, or opt for shorter, accessible paths with sweeping views over the Indian River Lagoon. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 His use of the presidency’s sweeping ability to unilaterally grant pardons and commute sentences is among the ways the Republican’s return to office has featured an expansive use of executive power. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
With a heat dome sweeping across the United States, the best course of action is to stay hydrated, out of the sun, and inside with some technological entertainment. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 2 July 2026 And while the weather this summer was always expected to be a challenge, the heat wave sweeping the US has made monitoring the temperatures of World Cup players an even higher priority. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping
  1. broad
  2. flowing
  3. curving
  4. extensive
  5. drifting
  6. wide
  7. gliding
  8. deep
Adjective
  • Organizing the festival during wartime has given it a broader purpose, Isaienko said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Products with a broad range, such as beer, would benefit from multiple subcategories, ensuring that the production process is not prioritized over the alcoholic content.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of broad
Verb
  • There's a full rainbow of primal prints to explore, like this flowing calf-print caftan from Moroccan designer Fadila El Gadi.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • Venture funding is also flowing into European defense technology, such as drones and autonomous systems.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of flowing
Verb
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • Nusa scored a beautiful goal after curving a shot into the top right corner, just past the arms of Fofana to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
Definition of curving
Adjective
  • Barrett and Jackson each reported the most extensive travel of court justices promoting their books in 2025.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Just south of the circle, subsequent construction of the Icon Miami complex, though, destroyed extensive additional evidence of Tequesta occupation in the bedrock, including scores of holes likely dug for wooden dwelling support posts.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of extensive
Verb
  • Without it, the experience risks drifting into the broad category of pretty resort dinner.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • People often watch them with comments from other viewers drifting across their screens.
    — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026
Definition of drifting
Adjective
  • Members love Thrive Market's wide selection of high-quality products and speedy shipping.
    — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Pélisson previously told Variety that animation and co-productions have become key drivers of French content’s appeal abroad, reflecting the sector’s ability to travel across borders and reach a wide range of audiences.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 July 2026
Definition of wide
Verb
  • And for the best views, get one of the small, stylish rooms on the fourth floor—you’ll be able to see the ships gliding by.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
  • Mars is spending the final days of the month gliding past the famous Pleiades star cluster (also known as the Seven Sisters) and this celestial encounter will not be this easy to see again for years.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
Definition of gliding
Adjective
  • The arils are deep ruby-red in color and have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that many people find refreshing.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Facing intense competition, Accor recognized the need for deeper customer retention and advocacy.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

sweep (away)
sweeping
sweeping (away)
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Cite this Entry

“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweeping. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sweeping

Nglish: Translation of sweeping for Spanish Speakers

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