wide 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwīd How to pronounce wide (audio)
Definition of widenext
1
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
2
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
Members love Thrive Market's wide selection of high-quality products and speedy shipping. — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026 While initial trials proved highly precise, researchers must now test the system across a wider range of marine environments, from murky Atlantic channels to deep Pacific bays. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Adverb
Garibay’s one-handed save denied Jonathan Ricketts a sure goal in the 64th minute, and Moon pulled a 30-yard opportunity off a poor corner kick clearance just wide left. — Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 Cisco is pairing its rollout with company-wide upskilling efforts and internal knowledge sharing to encourage experimentation. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
  1. broad
  2. extensive
  3. quite
  4. thick
  5. sweeping
  6. fast
  7. deep
  8. perfectly
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
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
Adverb
  • He's played with some incredible guards and centers throughout his 10-year career, but none quite like Maxey, Edgecombe and Embiid.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Princess Diana has long been the subject of exhibitions—but maybe never one quite like this.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of quite
Adjective
  • The combination makes strands thicker, fuller, stronger, frizz-free, and softer—and thus, longer with less shedding and breakage.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The brown, round cookie has arms and legs, one eyebrow thicker than the other, and one buck tooth.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of thick
Adjective
  • Ezra Jin, the founder of Zion Church, was among dozens of members caught up in a sweeping crackdown by Chinese authorities late last year.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 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
Definition of sweeping
Adverb
  • In some cases, tech companies and developers in Georgia and elsewhere are going to great lengths to secure power — and to do so fast.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • The move to allow Fable 5 back online represents the latest step in the federal government’s fast-evolving approach to regulating AI capabilities.
    — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of fast
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
Adverb
  • All the President’s Men' (1976) Not only an American classic, but likely the only movie where a close-up of a busy typewriter is a perfectly satisfying ending.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Cheesy, salty, and perfectly spicy, these Southern favorites will be the first snack snatched up at your gathering.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of perfectly

Phrases Containing wide

Browse Nearby Words

widdershins
wide
wide-awake
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on wide

Nglish: Translation of wide for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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