widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred How to pronounce widespread (audio)
Synonyms of widespread
1
: widely diffused or prevalent
widespread public interest
2
: widely extended or spread out
… low, widespread hood and fenders …—Time
a widespread erosion surface—C. B. Hitchcock

Synonyms of widespread

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Examples of widespread in a Sentence

There is widespread public interest in the election. Trade partners had become more widespread. There was widespread opposition to the plan.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Gianni Infantino has built his presidency on an ability to push through ambitious —and often controversial — changes despite widespread resistance. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 His case has ignited widespread outrage and demands for justice. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 But his proposal for an anti-espionage law, which included punishment by death penalty, drew widespread backlash and failed to pass. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 In the following years, TPS was extended as widespread political and gang violence endangered those still living in Haiti. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of widespread was in the 15th century

Rhymes for widespread

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Browse Nearby Words

wide-screen
widespread
wide-spreading
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Cite this Entry

“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widespread. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

widespread

adjective
wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred How to pronounce widespread (audio)
1
: scattered or found over a wide area
widespread interest in the election
2
: spread out over a wide area
widespread wings

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Nglish: Translation of widespread for Spanish Speakers

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