widely

adverb

wide·​ly ˈwīd-lē How to pronounce widely (audio)
1
: over or through a wide area
has traveled widely
2
: to a great extent
departed widely from the previous edition
3
: by or among a large well-dispersed group of people
a widely known political figure
4
: over a broad range
persons with widely fluctuating incomesCurrent Biography

Examples of widely in a Sentence

Their products are widely available. a widely known political figure The books are widely read by adults as well as children.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Brother Guy, as he is widely known, never suggests that science might offer a means to prove the existence of God, or even to indicate a high probability of His existence. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 28 July 2025 It is widely regarded as one of the island's top fine dining destinations thanks to its exceptional food, attentive service and stunning oceanfront setting. Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 But the videos circulated on social media indicate ad hoc punishments are also widely carried out on the ground, with the same aim of deterring others from running away. Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 28 July 2025 Hugh is the richest person in the U.K. under 40, and he was widely considered to be one of the most eligible U.K. bachelors prior to his relationship with Olivia. Greta Bjornson, People.com, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for widely

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of widely was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Widely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widely. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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