WIDE Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

Q: In what contexts can 'broad' take the place of 'wide'?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: When is 'deep' a more appropriate choice than 'wide'?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

wide 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwīd

Definition of wide

as in broad

having a greater than usual measure across the river is so wide that building a bridge across it would be impractical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent a wide and detailed knowledge of the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wide

2 of 2

adverb

as in quite

to a full extent or degree the door was wide open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In what contexts can broad take the place of wide?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is deep a more appropriate choice than wide?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

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 wide

Adjective

Devoré velvet minidresses, wide-leg denim and polished tracksuits pushed the contrast further, shifting from dressed-up to off-duty within a few looks. — Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Center Aaron Brewer can get just about anywhere with his athleticism in the wide-zone blocking scheme. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Adverb

Anselm Kiefer’s Schwarze Flocken, 2007, which is over 36 feet high and 23 feet wide, considered too large to exhibit for nearly two decades, has finally found a home. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 Oct. 2026 Non-members can also access Cloak for $10 when using the WGAE’s script registration, a service the guild already offers to all writers regardless of membership status to protect their work before going wide with it. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

In a broad open field, horses munch standing hay as Katie Baltzor watches her black angus cattle on this fall day.

— Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
That broader mission could give the Army another option for responding to different aerial targets.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of broad

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

Adverb

But now, as everything online morphs into algorithmic social media, the case for concern has crystallized into something quite specific.

— Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Few sports have embraced the pursuit of new audiences quite like F1, the motorsport league acquired by Liberty Media nearly a decade ago.

— Sam Jacobs, Time, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of quite

Adjective

The public promenade that wraps around the bay in front of the hotel invites walkers, runners, and bikers to explore the historic pathway that leads to the thick, lush pine forest at the edge of the sea.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Bake chicken until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 25–30 minutes.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of thick

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

Adverb

That could represent either a benefit or a risk for shareholders, as decision-making would become faster but have fewer checks.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Its stainless steel body can last for years of making pour-over coffee every morning or evening cups of hot tea, and the kettle also comes in handy to boil water fast for everyday recipes.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of fast

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

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

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Synonyms of wide

adjective

adverb

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Phrases Containing wide

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