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wide

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adverb

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

Examples of wide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Experts say a wide range of factors could be affecting today’s youth including social media use, climate change, and lack of class fluidity. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2024 Super scooper planes boost containment efforts in Siphon Fire Ex-police officer sentenced for concealing evidence in Arizona woman's death investigation 3 found dead after Prescott Valley fire deemed murder-suicide Part of Loop 101 is going to get wider. Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2024
Adverb
Landscape intervention using green fabric and boat of a person with his arms wide opened as a flying fish to the horizon. Photovogue, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2024 Image: Yeelight Yeelight also announced $129.99 curtains of lights measuring two meters (about 6.5 feet) tall and 1.5 meters (about five feet) wide. Emma Roth, The Verge, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wide 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near wide

Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 30 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wide

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