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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 In the broadest sense, what needs to be figured out to make those two properties work — Batman in this universe? Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 The move fit into the pope's broader understanding of martyr as a social justice concept, allowing those deemed to have been killed for doing God's work and following the gospel to be considered for sainthood. Arkansas Online, 16 June 2025 Oil prices have surged following Israel’s initial strikes on Iranian targets on Friday and retaliatory attacks by Tehran amid concerns that a broader regional conflict could disrupt oil exports from the Middle East. Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 16 June 2025 But, like all industrious publishers, Dunton had broader ambitions: to seed new publics for his writing. Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for broad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • And for the many local stations that operate in the wider public broadcasting network, and have ties to NPR and PBS, cuts do carry existential stakes.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
  • Combs credits Tracy Chapman's approval for broadening his perspective and reaching a wider audience.
    Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Boelter – a husband and father, according to an online biography – has touted an extensive background in security and military training, according to an ABC News review of his online presence and professional history.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 15 June 2025
  • That prompted an extensive apology from the former U.S. Open winner on social media.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pecans Pecans — as well as nuts in general — are a great item to buy in bulk at Costco.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • One former board member was Bean’s secretary, who had donated money to his wife’s campaigns for Knox County circuit, general sessions and juvenile court clerk, according to Betty Bean and local news reports at the time.
    Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Known for her intimate, sultry sound, Claudio now pushes past her established aesthetic, creating a sweeping, conceptual world that mirrors her personal and artistic evolution.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Trump’s latest action comes as his sweeping tax and domestic policy bill is facing backlash from one key ally, Elon Musk.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • So, while Israel is flying the planes, the United States is sending an unmistakable message that its multi-decade strategic partnership with Israel is formidable in the face of threats from anti-American, anti-Western authoritarian regimes.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • An 'unmistakable' long-term trend In practice, investors want to keep their money in the market over decades, and many presidencies.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Here in Orange County, 26 overall projects include 19 aimed at a multifamily flip.
    Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
  • One major remaining question, though, is whether the measure can survive Democratic procedural challenges as Republicans advance the overall legislation through the budget reconciliation process.
    Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2025
  • This is a deep, dark, peppery and elegant wine at astonishing value.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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