as in universally
across a large area, group, or range
Originally invented in the United States, baseball is now a widely played sport around the world.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 widely
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to make no change to its benchmark federal funds rate at its January meeting, a decision to be announced at 2 p.m. ET today.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Some stores locked up items as early as 15 years ago, but the practice became more widely accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to an increase in shoplifting.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
The designation of Venezuela for TPS status had been widely celebrated in South Florida, home to one of the largest communities of Venezuelans in the United States.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Patrick Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to four Super Bowls in the previous five seasons and won three of them, is widely considered the gold standard at the position.
—Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for widely 
Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Some stores locked up items as early as 15 years ago, but the practice became more widely accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to an increase in shoplifting.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
The designation of Venezuela for TPS status had been widely celebrated in South Florida, home to one of the largest communities of Venezuelans in the United States.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Patrick Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to four Super Bowls in the previous five seasons and won three of them, is widely considered the gold standard at the position.
—Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for widely
Thesaurus Entries Near widely
Cite this Entry
“Widely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widely. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share