WIDE Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wide 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwīd

Definition of wide next

as in broad

having a greater than usual measure across the river is so wide that building a bridge across it would be impractical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent a wide and detailed knowledge of the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wide

2 of 2

adverb

as in quite

to a full extent or degree the door was wide open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Monitor marks the third collaboration between Protagonist Pictures and Temple Hill, which began with Clown in a Cornfield, which is scheduled for a wide U.S. theatrical release on May 9, 2025. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2025 But just as Maresca’s team grew steadily more passive after taking the lead, so too did Jackson fail to press home his advantage against a back line exploited by a wide range of attackers in recent weeks. —

Sam Lee, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

Adverb

But much like Super Bowl XXV, where Norwood missed his game-winning field goal wide right, Tyler Bass did the exact same. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 Laurent is accused, in a judge’s report, of leaving the oversized iron gates to Moïse’s front yard wide open after informing Dragon of the president’s presence inside. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

The paper said authorities have issued a broad request for police to detain Zajko.

— Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Room for a deal The 10% duties are a far cry from the upwards of 60% tariffs that Trump had threatened to levy on China during his campaign, signaling that there could be more to come if the two sides are not able to reach a deal on a broader host of issues.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025