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

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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 Still, Republicans are hoping a fraud scandal involving the widespread theft of public funds will give them an opening up and down the ballot. — Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The rising toll came as rescue workers and volunteers searched through the night for people trapped beneath rubble in western Colombia, where Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó and Buenaventura were among the cities showing widespread destruction. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 With widespread distribution of the lettuce, investigators were able to detect a clear signal from Taco Bell. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026 There were also widespread drought, wildfires and heavy rain in nearly every corner of the country. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widespread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for widespread
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
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
  • 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
  • The next phase will include examining more types and grades of iron ore, since the Iron Range contains a wide variety of resources.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That sentiment inspires Sony Vizha – a celebration of Tamil culture, deeply rooted in emotion and imagined for a wider world.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • Joshua trees dot the property, and sweeping mountain views stretch across the horizon.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Related Articles The images show whole walls collapsed, leaving its interior with sweeping views of the city.
    — Kim Córdova, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweeping
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

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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of widespread for Spanish Speakers

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