wider; widest
1
a
: having great extent : vast
a wide area
b
: extending over a vast area : extensive
a wide reputation
c
: extending throughout a specified area or scope
—usually used in combination
nationwide
industry-wide
d
: comprehensive, inclusive
a wide assortment
2
a
: having a specified extension from side to side
3 feet wide
b
: having much extent between the sides : broad
a wide doorway
c
: fully opened
wide-eyed
d
3
a
: extending or fluctuating considerably between limits
a wide variation
b
: straying or deviating from something specified
—used with of
the accusation was wide of the truth
4
of an animal ration
: relatively rich in carbohydrate as compared with protein
wideness
noun
wider; widest
1
a
: over a great distance or extent : widely
searched far and wide
b
: over a specified distance, area, or extent
—usually used in combination
expanded the business country-wide
2
a
: so as to leave much space or distance between
placed wide apart
b
: so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance
ran wide around left end
3
: to the fullest extent : completely, fully
wide open
Synonyms
Adjective
Adverb
Examples of wide in a Sentence
Adjective
the widest part of the river
The desk is three feet wide.
How wide is the doorway?
Her eyes were wide with wonder.
We have a wide range of options.
a job calling for wide experience
The election received wide news coverage.
Adverb
The poles were placed wide apart.
He opened his eyes wide.
They spread the map out wide.
His mouth was wide open.
They like to hike through wide open spaces.
Recent Examples on the Web
David Moin, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024
The conflict quickly spread to the wider family, with Amanda's revelation to their parents only adding more fuel to the fire.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
Boston sent four minor leaguers to Chicago in the deal, leaving the door wide open to swing another blockbuster trade.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wide 
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.
Adjective
The brand targets a wide range of women, from teenagers to those who are middle-aged.
—David Moin, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024
The conflict quickly spread to the wider family, with Amanda's revelation to their parents only adding more fuel to the fire.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adverb
The Wolves missed their first 13 shots of the second quarter, preventing them from blowing the game wide open.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
Boston sent four minor leaguers to Chicago in the deal, leaving the door wide open to swing another blockbuster trade.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wide
Dictionary Entries Near wide
Cite this Entry
“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wide. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wide
1 of 2 adjective
wider; widest
1
a
: covering a large area
the whole wide world
b
: extending over, reaching, or affecting a vast area : extensive
wide publicity
c
: not limited : comprehensive
a job calling for wide experience
a wide assortment
2
a
: measured across or at right angles to length
cloth 40 feet wide
b
: having a great measure across : broad
a wide river
c
: opened as far as possible
3
a
: extending or fluctuating considerably between limits
a wide variation
b
: far from the thing in question
a charge wide of the truth
widely
adverb
wideness
noun
wide
2 of 2 adverb1
: over a great distance or extent : widely
searched far and wide
2
a
: so as to leave much space between
placed wide apart
b
: so as to clear by a wide distance
ran wide around the left end
3
: to the fullest extent : completely
opened his eyes wide
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share