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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
  • Even though the amount of each check is lower, investing it in the stock market, which averages an annual return of 10%, could make up for that loss and more.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The actions by the Department of Education appear to be in response to last week’s sweeping ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which extended and expanded a block on lower payments and student loan forgiveness under several IDR plans.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The world’s waters are deep and mysterious places, and the best fishermen are good at keeping secrets.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The investigation finds Reacher smack dab in the center of a mysterious rug import business called Bizarre Bazaar.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • However, this narrative framing device — which often loops back on itself, as a dreamlike film within the film — is merely an anchor for a more elliptical, esoteric narrative about personal and political history.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The line out the door looked like diners waiting for tables — blue Dodgers hats, oversize vintage button-downs, esoteric diner T-shirts — but this was a crew of volunteer drivers who’d signed up on Instagram.
    Tejal Rao, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Issues like ambiguous requirements cause misalignment and rework, while inadequate testing environments delay validation and debugging.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • So this is in a very ambiguous state in an ambiguous country, and her mother’s illness is ambiguous.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The pace is intense and the pressure can be overwhelming.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • That was the idea of having this riff that was gonna be really intense, and probably pretty majestic as well, but quite intriguing.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Trader Joe's has gained a huge and extensive fan base mostly because of their unique products, cheaper prices, and overall experience.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
  • These traditional user interfaces are filled with extensive menu options, complex navigation systems and unique labeling systems.
    Praerit Garg, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The first leg is at home March 6 and the away leg is March 13 in Jamaica.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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