spread 1 of 2

1
2
as in to apply
to put a layer of on a surface we spread the fertilizer over the lawn evenly until it was fully covered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to circulate
to become known once news of the war's end had spread, spontaneous celebrations broke out everywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
as in to divide
to go or move in different directions from a central point the walls of the old barn spread under the weight of the snow on the roof

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

spread

2 of 2

noun

1
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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 spread
Verb
Already, anti-ICE protests are spreading to Philadelphia, Austin, New York, Chicago, Seattle and Denver. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 13 June 2025 Wen: Salmonella most often spreads to people through contaminated food. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Noun
Strong winds, low humidity and a dry landscape had accelerated the spread of the fire, said Chloe Castillo, a Cal Fire spokesperson. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 12 June 2025 After news spread of his termination, the public donated more than $250,000 to a GoFundMe supporting him. Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • Such feeds have been disseminated by the hundred on Russian Telegram channels.
    Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Another hypothesis is that plastic bag fees are applied to more retailers than plastic bag bans.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 19 June 2025
  • The company is pushing for legal changes and has applied for a city permit to begin limited autonomous operations with safety drivers on board.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • His commentary on the situation was revealed during the June 18 episode of his podcast, This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, which has since circulated widely on social media.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • And right now is when pollen from ryegrass, timothy grass, and ragweed starts circulating.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Hakeem Jeffries transmit a request increase future federal deficits Explore this year's list.
    Kevin Freking, Fortune, 13 June 2025
  • Companies that create hiring platforms tend to take data security pretty seriously — but any data transmitted over the internet from your organization to an AI's learning database has the potential to be exposed.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Using a bench scraper, divide dough into 6 equal portions.
    Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
  • The issue of getting more involved in the conflict has divided Trump's MAGA base, with some pointing to his campaign promise to keep America out of foreign wars.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The gap between the top 75th percentile and the bottom 25th percentile performers increased by 1.5 times in Q1 2025 compared to a year earlier, with market leaders continuing to charge ahead while the bottom 20% to 30% of the sector continued to report a reduction in growth.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • Solar flares and other solar activity, such as solar storms, increase every 11 years as the sun reaches the height of its 11-year cycle, the solar maximum, which last occurred in late 2024.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Come fall, simply swap your cooling sheets for insulated flannel sheets to enjoy this cushy quilt in every season.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • In 1987, during the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Jones displayed the memorial quilt on the National Mall for the first time, with each panel dedicated to someone who died from the disease.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • This recipe goes from brunch to dinner, just make sure to leave out the ice for serving individually.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
  • Wear this Lululemon jumpsuit on the plane, out to dinner, or to the beach with its versatile, comfortable style.
    Elaina Verhoff, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spread

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!