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

For Ngbape, maintaining that surveillance is critical to preventing individual infections from developing into wider chains of transmission. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 Interestingly, there has been very little research on the effects inflicted on a wide-binary companion during such an event. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026

Adverb

The Brink Of War from Angel Studios opens wide on 2,073 screens. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 Brands like Tory Burch, Khaite, Proenza Schouler, Chanel, Michael Kors, Aquazzura, Bottega Veneta and more have showcased the style in their recent shoe collections, and they are expected to go wide this fall through more accessible brands. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
The ruling follows a broader shift toward rethinking the purpose of cash bail, mirroring larger criminal justice reforms in the state over the past decade or more.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

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

Swathes of those still standing are marked for death, their fate written like braille in the form of scores of tiny holes — no thicker than a dot left by a ballpoint pen — beneath the bark.

— Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Eastern handles are shorter and thicker, catering more to those who use a Penhold grip, where the head of the paddle is facing down and the paddle is held like a pen.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of thick

Adverb

Pyroclastic flows – fast-moving clouds of scorching gas, ash, and rock – could devastate territory near the caldera.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Sacramento County is also looking at ways to regulate the growing popularity of e-bikes, which can go much faster than a regular bike and potentially cause more serious injuries.

— James Taylor, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of fast

Adjective

Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Not to be cheated in front of the largest assembly of Hall of Famers since the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Schwarber flew out twice to deep center field.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of deep

Adverb

His fifth curled through the legs of Tarik Muharemovic and perfectly to Joshua Zirkzee’s feet for his first-time finish.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of perfectly

Cite this Entry

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“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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adverb

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Synonyms of wide

adjective

adverb

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Phrases Containing wide

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on wide

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