BROAD Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad . While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: Where would 'deep' be a reasonable alternative to 'broad'?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

Q: When could 'wide' be used to replace 'broad'?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 broad Such interactions suggest that primates may possess a broader capacity for social flexibility, curiosity and tolerance towards other species than researchers previously appreciated. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026 That’s when the Pacific Legal Foundation, a right-leaning organization with recent Supreme Court success, chose a routine citizen suit in Tennessee federal court for a broader constitutional challenge. — Michael Phillis, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 The Women’s National Basketball Players Association addressed the broader controversy Friday without defining who is eligible to play. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 But the crowd Thursday reflected something broader than her creative ambitions. — Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

My mom raves about Vuori loungewear, and there’s currently a pair of the brand’s airy, feather-soft wide-leg pants on sale for 25 percent off.

— Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
About 40 Gullah Geechee still live on the island year-round in modest dwellings, such as cottages and single-wide trailers.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

Bannister's extensive career began with Coscarelli and Angus Scrimm in 1975, leading to their legendary Phantasm collaboration.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Dozens of people have died in Riselralda, a department in the heart of the Coffee Axis, and cities throughout the region have reported extensive damage.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

Areas where forecasts consistently predict clear skies — or persistent cloud — will become increasingly obvious as eclipse day approaches.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The choice of Bailey as the newest Giorgio Armani global fragrance ambassador was obvious.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

The general managers described Garcia as Sanchez’s husband and as a hardworking, dedicated family man who supported not only his family in New York but also back in his home country, Colombia.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Carr's connection to the job was through Bruins general manager Darrick Yray, an offensive assistant and an assistant director of football operations at Fresno State during Carr's prolific career with the Bulldogs.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

Senate Republicans originally proposed adding $1 billion in taxpayer security funding for the ballroom as part of a sweeping immigration and border security package in May, but ultimately dropped that provision after significant bipartisan backlash.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026
His surprising departure during ESPN's sweeping summer layoffs raised immediate questions about whether viewers had seen the last of him on the network.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

That could be a sign of things to come as the Rays’ first-round selection (28th overall) in the 2021 draft was playing some second base at Triple-A Durham.

— Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The new Vista Point complex will add 193 independent living units, 72 assisted living residences, an indoor pool, performing arts auditorium, art studio and more, and ultimately will boost Fairview’s overall population to nearly 600.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of overall

Cite this Entry

Style

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of broad

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