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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

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 wide
Adjective
The bill gained wide bipartisan support in 2023 but never reached a public hearing. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Their departures reflect disappointment over unmet expectations and wider geopolitical and strategic concerns. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Rather than running to complete that term, De La Vega chose to pursue Seat 6, leaving Seat 4 wide open—and further intensifying what is already a high-stakes race. Veronica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025 Dylan brought it out wide on the freeway ramp, the tires soft, and bald, and skidding on the powdered gravel, and Bob took to hollering with his head hung out the window like a big dog. Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • The specific geographical nature of spirits, like American whiskey only being able to be made in America and Scotch only being able to come from Scotland, must be considered when negotiating broad trade deals, Swonger said.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The high court paused a federal judge’s prior order blocking DOGE from immediately getting broad access to the data.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The author initially believed that extensive aerobic exercise alone was sufficient for good health, neglecting the importance of diet.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
  • There was an extensive police presence, and two SWAT vehicles were on the scene.
    Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Sometimes my evenings, too, are an exercise in box-checking, dissociation, and faux self-care, my body piloted by a brain that has never quite switched off work mode.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Most of the utensils were pretty cheap, quite worn, and really should have been tossed a long time ago—including my black plastic spatula.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The sturdy handle and thicker walls echo the utility these beers were brewed for—robust, satisfying, and meant to be lingered over.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • One is a Dutch oven, a heavy pot with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid, typically cast iron and traditionally used for stews, soups and bread.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Amid unprecedented and sweeping changes to federal vaccine policy, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, said public health officials in states like Michigan are taking the lead in determining how COVID-19 vaccines will roll out in their communities this fall.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Germany plans to boost military recruitment as part of a sweeping effort to strengthen its national defenses in response to security concerns sparked by Russia's war in Ukraine.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • And somehow, their low-caffeine blends are pulling in the modern crowd faster than oat milk at a Gen Z brunch.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But this may be FIU’s deepest position with players such as Antonio Patterson, Shamir Sterlin, Sadonnie Gay and Jessiah McGrew pushing for playing time.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • There's something nice about having a deep repertoire of your own music that means something to your audience.
    Ed Masley, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Each bite of this classic comfort food delivers taste and textural elements that perfectly compliment each other.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In the end, Powell managed to thread the needle perfectly and, as a result, all three major averages are rallying at least 1.5%.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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