widespread

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈspred How to pronounce widespread (audio)
Definition of widespreadnext
as in extensive
having considerable extent a widespread area of drought

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 widespread Overnight, Victoria Bonya went from being a Russian influencer known for exercise routines and cosmetic endorsements into a catalyst for widespread public discontent about the state of her home country’s society and economy. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Some physicians skeptical of using Midjourney for widespread cancer screening have raised legitimate questions about whether radiologists can interpret potentially vast new data sets from scanners that are not yet FDA approved. — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 However, while criticisms of NDS are widespread, many former government workers have maintained that the biggest concern is NDS sites that do not appear to comply with laws requiring usability and accessibility. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 It’s also widely seen as part of a broader vision to ensure national security under Xi, who came to power in 2012 following widespread 2008 protests in Tibet and deadly unrest in Xinjiang, home to its Uyghur minority. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
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
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
  • 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
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
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

wide-ranging
widespread
widget
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of widespread for Spanish Speakers

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