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Synonym Chooser

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

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Examples 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 broad The vaccination rates are similar to last year's figures, and the numbers reflect a persistent public health challenge achieving broader vaccine uptake for these illnesses. Sabrina Malhi The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024 The broader crypto market, as measured by the CoinDesk 20 Index, gained 6%. Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024 It’s been touted as a step toward broader potential peace negotiations in the area, yet both sides have already accused the other of violating the deal. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024 The truck Sanchez is driving is one of hundreds of such next-generation vehicles that are part of a small but growing electric-truck ecosystem taking shape in California ahead of broader zero emission mandates. Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broad 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • The series is planned to be shot in a wide range of diverse locations as its protagonist explores the world, including Finland, Italy, Japan, Tibet, and Kenya.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Inigo San Felix / National Geographic Using measuring tape, scientists found that the coral colony spans about 111 feet wide, 104 feet long and 18 feet high — large enough to fit two full-size basketball courts side by side and longer than the world’s largest animal, the blue whale.
    Peter Guo, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There was severe flooding throughout the region with extensive damage in Asheville and many smaller communities in North Carolina and Tennessee.
    Greg Allen, NPR, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Bregman’s talent and extensive postseason experience align well with a championship-caliber ball club who is looking to replace disappointment with glory in the month of October.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That's a substantial change that may not be immediately obvious.
    Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Here’s How to Shop for the Right Strap-On By Malia Griggs Of these triggers, the most obvious is probably lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products that doesn’t sit well with certain people, like those who are lactose-intolerant.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • During the intermissions, the composer, frail and racked with pain, remained sitting in the general manager’s box.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Probably best known as the longtime Dior executive who developed its fine jewelry and watch division, Nicolas has also worked at Cartier and Sotheby’s before becoming general manager of Printemps’ flagship Haussmann store in 2021.
    Miles Socha, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The big picture: Trump has vowed to impose sweeping tariffs in his next administration, sending companies scrambling to shift production out of China, stock up on inventory and weigh price increases.
    Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Last week, the state House of Representatives voted to terminate the incentive effective June 30, 2025, as part of a sweeping tax reform package.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • When tornadoes rip through populated areas, their presence is unmistakable.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
  • The courier picked up a burrito meal order at a Lindenwold, N.J., eatery and intended to deliver it to Glassboro, but stopped in Washington Township to investigate the pungent, unmistakable smell of marijuana coming from the food, the Washington Township police said on Instagram on Nov. 24.
    Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Among our best overall Black Friday deal picks is the popular Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, which soothes and plumps while dissolving dead skin cells.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
  • That said, a life cycle analysis published in 2018 found that if an artificial Christmas tree is used for at least five years before being discarded, the overall environmental impact compared with a fresh tree was the same.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Best known for offering deep discounts on groceries, household items and major purchases like appliances and TVs, Sam's Club is offering a limited-time Black Friday membership offer to help new customers join for as little as $25, instead of the usual $50 annual fee.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • With deep discounts and bundles available, Black Friday offers the best value for a quality mattress that will transform your sleep experience.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near broad

Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on broad

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