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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
While some military and law enforcement types have used the items for training, a wider range of individuals are picking them up for more enhanced cardio workouts and improved endurance. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 Certain buttons will also come in a wider variety of shapes, and the labels will have varying text weights. ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Adverb
Sunderland, in that instant, were a club wide awake to the possibilities of how their season might end and where futures might lie. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 May 2025 But there’s suddenly this path, one looking wide as Seventh Ave. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • And Answers For Friday, May 23 This rise in plush charms and toy-like accessories aligns with a broader cultural movement: the kidult trend.
    Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Not only could the EU face higher tariffs than China, but the bloc of member states might have been better off by establishing a broad front with China and other countries against Trump’s trade policy, said German economist Marcel Fratscher.
    Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Right whales are identified by individual markings on their heads and bodies, with extensive photo catalogues managed by the New England Aquarium.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Drawing from her extensive experience in content development for award-winning productions and emergent networks, Luisa will guide participants through the end-to-end process of production, from concept development to distribution.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Adverb
  • Looking up height requirements in advance can avoid disappointment for kids who may not be quite tall enough for some rides.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This advantage is quite significant in at least two ways.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its thick plastic outer casing is impervious to flex.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
  • Look for thicker, buttery formulas with intense moisture.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Paging Stevie Young and his steady, sweeping right arm.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • As President Trump backs away from tougher sanctions on Russia, Ukraine is urging the European Union to assume a greater leadership role with a sweeping new sanctions proposal, including asset seizures and secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers such as India and China.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adverb
  • Providing Only Generic Updates Blasting generic updates with no personalization tanks engagement fast.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Simone is damaged and buoyant simultaneously, and the young actress shows a deep maturity in the portrayal of the character's complex mental and emotional state.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Nevertheless, the play highlighted three under-the-radar players who have been critical for this Panthers team on their latest deep playoff run.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Adverb
  • There’s something so photo-realistic about it— think biting into a perfectly ripe plum.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 30 May 2025
  • On the second occasion, Stassi sat perfectly still on the passenger seat and still refused to go inside the house.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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