widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: widely diffused or prevalent

widespread public interest

2

: widely extended or spread out

low, widespread hood and fenders

—Time

a widespread erosion surface

—C. B. Hitchcock

Synonyms

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

Examples of widespread in a Sentence

There is widespread public interest in the election.

Trade partners had become more widespread.

There was widespread opposition to the plan.

Recent Examples on the Web

Panzi, previously hit by a typhoid outbreak two years ago, faces intersecting public health crises, including a seasonal flu resurgence, widespread malnutrition and low vaccination rates, all of which render children particularly vulnerable. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Although Amazon has little experience in the auto industry, its vast and highly engaged customer base as well as the widespread dissatisfaction with traditional car dealership experiences should give it a meaningful opportunity. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Gauff’s focus, energy, and ability to rise to the occasion have become her hallmarks, earning her widespread respect in the sport. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024

Many casinos have long had policies prohibiting phone use during hands, and some have even banned phones entirely in prior years, and now these efforts are growing more widespread. —Ben Dowsett, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: scattered or found over a wide area

widespread interest in the election

2

: spread out over a wide area

widespread wings