spread 1 of 2

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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
The Gleason grading system, or Gleason score -- which usually ranges from 6 to 10 -- refers to how likely the cancer is to advance and spread, but does not predict the outcome. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 19 May 2025 Manhunt spreads to multiple states Authorities initially said 11 inmates had escaped, but later corrected the number to 10 after discovering one man had been moved to another cell before his records were updated. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Noun
So, try the spread at Trinquet, a cozy restaurant in the Old Town, the historic center where some facades date back to the medieval period. Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025 The 28-year-old told People magazine at the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swim Launch Party in New York City that her former flames have been keeping a close eye on her steamy spread. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 May 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.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • That was disseminated by pro-Kremlin and far-right sources, in an apparent attempt to smear European leaders supporting Ukraine.
    Jim Warren, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • His client in the case, Harry Wiley, a West Virginia coal miner, was diagnosed with an early stage of black lung and applied to NIOSH for a transfer to an environment with less dust exposure but never received a response.
    Taylor Sisk, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
  • The highest rating a Star Wars film ever got was PG-13, the rating consistently applied to films in the franchise since 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
    EW.com, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • In a video circulated widely on social media, three officers stand guard while a fourth tries to handcuff Erin, then slings her to the ground face first.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • The video was circulated online by social media accounts, many of whom appear to be European and American right-wing profiles that are typically critical of Macron, who used the incident to question his relationship with his wife or to attack his masculinity.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Of particular concern right now are native Culex mosquitoes, which can transmit deadly West Nile virus, Diaz said.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Balancing the critical need to expand the capacity to generate and transmit electricity within Maryland with environmental and other considerations is a daunting challenge, as demonstrated by the controversy over the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) proposed by PJM Interconnection.
    David Plymyer, Baltimore Sun, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Divided Society Finally, the uneven distribution of access to and benefits from humanoid technology could divide society even further.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • These changes, called genetic mutations, cause bone marrow cells to grow and divide too quickly.11 Experts don’t fully understand why these genetic mutations happen.
    Health, Health, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Hair's porosity will increase in response to the voids in your hair when the cortex and medulla are damaged.23 Low-porosity hair is identified by its tightly closed cuticles, which are reluctant to absorb water, hair products, or oils.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
  • Listen to this article 2 min Tensions flared during Saturday's NCAA baseball game between Samford and Mercer. Samford outfielder Michael Gupton hit a two-run homer to increase the Bulldogs' lead over the Mercer Bears.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • The subtle pleat pattern gives the ruffle a refined character that pairs exceptionally well with quilts and starchy white duvet covers.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 May 2025
  • Keep scrolling for more of our favorite lightweight and cooling quilts and comforters from Amazon, starting at $30.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Black-tie dinners with the wealthy are nothing new for Trump.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • In a different shot, Dobrev and White sit side by side at dinner.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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