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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
Other litigation encompasses a wide range of issues, including biometric privacy violations, pig-butchering scams, and account lockouts. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 18 June 2025 Designers are drawn to the Carson fabric by Cone Denim for its wide range of uses. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 June 2025
Adverb
The case broke wide open when Roger and Monica's son Nathan, then 24, was called to testify before a grand jury. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 6 June 2025 The Phoenician Scheme’s studio, Focus Features, generally has a month window between the time its films open wide in theaters and arrive on PVOD. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • In 2016, a full 75% of voters fell into the broad definition of Christian voters, according to exit polls.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 16 June 2025
  • Pointedly, the commitment ranks on a broad par with France, where investment in French series, movies and documentaries now stands at an annual €250 million ($285.1 million), Netflix VP of content in France, Pauline Dauvin, said in April.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • This integration enables marketing, sales, and service teams to gain actionable insights without requiring extensive data expertise.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • And while the shipping attacks were largely stamped out after extensive U.S. strikes earlier this year and an eventual ceasefire deal, the group continues to receive support from the Iranian regime.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025
Adverb
  • It’s been quite a year for Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton, who both lead hit shows.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 15 June 2025
  • While that is quite close to the FOMC’s target, it was dragged down by a decline in energy prices.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Simply lather a thick coating of petroleum jelly onto the scratch.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • As thick clouds billowed out of Eyjafjallajökull, the skies over the North Atlantic — one of the world’s busiest aviation routes — fell silent, with air traffic dropping to levels that wouldn’t be seen again until the Covid pandemic a decade later.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Klarna paused plans to go public in April, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 18 June 2025
  • During her weekslong retrial in Massachusetts, Read’s lawyers accused authorities of trying to frame her in a sweeping conspiracy, which included planting evidence against her.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Adverb
  • In fact, over the past year the average price of electricity in the U.S. has grown 87% faster than the overall Consumer Price Index.
    Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Finding a donor fast can mean the difference between life and death.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2025
  • This is a deep, dark, peppery and elegant wine at astonishing value.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adverb
  • This wisdom applies perfectly to brands seeking to connect with young consumers.
    Rupert Lee-Browne, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Her ensemble featured a simple yet striking little black dress with a semi-sheer bodice and a voluminous, inflated hemline, perfectly paired with dainty black mules and matching arm cuffs on both wrists.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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