Definition of broadnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word broad different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 broad But, Hill shared broad estimates for spending hikes CMS may see next year. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026 Those are companies that exist solely to sue over patents that can be vague and broad. Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026 Its broader vision includes making sustainable, high-efficiency transport both practical and economically competitive at scale. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 Apple Daily’s closure after a 2021 police raid has triggered broader media self-censorship and narrowed Hong Kong’s once-vibrant press landscape. Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • If successful, the technology is slated for wider adoption across multiple EV lines, signaling a potential shift away from lithium-dependent batteries.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • It is expected to connect Azerbaijan and its autonomous Nakhchivan exclave, which are separated by a 20-mile-wide patch of Armenian territory.
    MICHELLE L. PRICE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Models require extensive training to enable them to identify everyday objects to interact with, which means that simple tasks like picking up fruit can be challenging in robotics.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Coastal Fish also offers some of the best seafood around, along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • After Son left in the summer to join MLS side Los Angeles FC, there was no obvious alternative apart from Guglielmo Vicario.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • If the main subject isn’t obvious across most frames, the video often won’t show up in search.
    Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Though framed as a request for information, Levine’s letter signals that Florida’s campaign against accrediting bodies — once focused on general university oversight — is expanding into medicine, one of the most tightly regulated sectors of higher education.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The second would be how friendly people are along King Drive in general.
    Kynala Phillips, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the days after the Bondi Beach massacre – allegedly committed by a father and son who had embraced Islamic State ideology – the government announced sweeping new gun laws, tougher rules on hate speech, and stronger powers for the home affairs minister to cancel visas on character grounds.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • But research from both academics and conservative groups suggests removing undocumented immigrants from the census would shift only a handful of seats — not the sweeping advantage critics claim.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Telltale Signs of Rotary Motion The re-examination revealed unmistakable evidence that this was no simple awl meant for poking holes.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Those distinctive features give the species a look that is at once gentle and unmistakable — a face that, for the wildlife community, has become a symbol of how close a species can come to vanishing entirely and still find a path back.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Adding dark chocolate to your diet is an easy and delicious way to support heart, brain, and overall health.
    Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
  • That, plus distinct green (herbs) and black (pepper) flecks, made this contender feel higher-end, inspiring us to declare Trader Joe’s the best ranch dressing overall.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Turn the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, turning once, until the daikon is tender and both sides are deep golden brown, 8–10 minutes.
    Chihiro Tomioka, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Journaling is also a great way to explore your deeper thoughts.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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