sweeping

1 of 2

noun

sweep·​ing ˈswē-piŋ 

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

gave the room a good sweeping

2

sweepings plural : things collected by sweeping : refuse

sweeping

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

a

: extensive

sweeping reforms

b

: marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion

sweeping generalities

sweepingly adverb

sweepingness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• broad
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• extensive
• far-flung
• far-reaching
• rangy
• wide
• wide-ranging
• widespread

Examples of sweeping in a Sentence

Noun

The porch needs a good sweeping.

Adjective

a sweeping view of the valley

He dismissed the idea with a sweeping motion of his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Approval of the sweeping, must-pass legislation came with little time to spare: The 2024 NDAA expires at year’s end, and this is the Senate’s last working week of the year. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Dec. 2024

The bristles are also stiff and can be used for power or hand sweeping. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024

Adjective

However, Newsom has so far failed to fully deliver on his most sweeping healthcare policies — and many changes are not yet visible to the public: Healthcare costs continue to rise, homelessness is worsening, and many Californians still struggle to get basic medical care. —Angela Hart, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

But most organizations can’t afford the risks of sweeping layoffs or drastic cuts. —Eric Steele, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sweeping

• sweeping victory

Kids Definition

sweeping

1 of 2 noun

sweep·​ing

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

2

plural : things collected by sweeping

sweeping

2 of 2 adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

: broad sense 5

sweeping reforms

sweeping generalizations

sweepingly

ˈswē-piŋ-lē

adverb