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deep

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noun

1
as in midst
the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in sea
the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

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

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 deep
Adjective
Known for a gaze that seemed to drill into our witnessing of it, going to a place deeper than most actors could reach, Hackman was capable of an intimidating brusqueness — but also a convincing tenderness. Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025 Juno and Vesta retrogrades bring a deeper understanding of your partnerships — business, familial, and even with yourself. Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
But the Hard Quartet dip their four sets of lips into those waters and drink deep. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024 Then, in the meeting, see what resonates and dig in deep. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • In the face of profound global challenges—political polarization, environmental collapse, racial injustice, and widening economic inequality—these leaders have consistently delivered one unifying message: The future belongs to businesses that solve social problems, not contribute to them.
    Paul Klein, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Her lyric vocal writing contends with harsh reality, but her style is never far from profound rapture.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making this a low-effort yet nutrient-dense option for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Women are also approved at a lower rate for small business loans and face more scrutiny when seeking investments.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers in northern Denmark have unearthed evidence of a mysterious circle of wooden posts dating back 4,000 years.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The Scholars, out May 2 on Matador Records, features at least a dozen distinct characters, in settings that include a mysterious university and a clown school.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But there are also more esoteric forums, such as r/rentnerzeigenaufdinge, the German-language subreddit that’s devoted to context-free photos of retirees pointing at random things.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2025
  • At the heart of Seminole County’s water trouble is the esoteric chemical solvent 1,4-dioxane.
    Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has not commented on the military base plan specifically but delivered an ambiguous answer this week to a question regarding the use of private companies to assist with deportations.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The film has proven divisive, though, with some audiences puzzled by its breakneck tonal shifts and ambiguous ending.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The intense gravitational pull from the black hole rips the two stars apart, capturing one star into a close orbit around it, notes the center.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • This film transitions between moments of intense governmental and political drama, and moments of sympathetic, emotional anguish with the Hernandez family.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The medical record summaries quickly and accurately extract and organize vital medical information from extensive records, while the medical billing summaries meticulously report every medical expense.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Arsenal’s home defeat to West Ham coupled with Liverpool’s away win over Manchester City opened up an 11-point gap between the two rivals at the top of the table.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The first leg is at home March 6 and the away leg is March 13 in Jamaica.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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