deep 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

deep

2 of 2

noun

1
as in midst
the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in sea
the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

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

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 deep
Adjective
This method helps individuals decode thoughts and feelings to uncover their deeper significance, providing tools for sustainable emotional well-being. Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025 Perhaps the Epidemic Intelligence Service’s most significant legacy has been in building a worldwide network of deep epidemiological expertise. Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
Set an end of the potato about one-third deep in the water and place the container in a high light or sunny location. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 This art form is performed by skilled artisans, maneuvering puppets while waist-deep in water, and was a cornerstone of royal entertainment going back hundreds of years. Richard Quest, CNN, 6 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • Erasing traditional industry hierarchies represents the most profound difference between the British and Swiss approach.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Benefits of minimalism As highlighted in Nicodemus and Millburn's podcast and documentary, the benefits of minimalism can be profound.
    Ana Morales, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no sign outside Hurdle’s San Diego salon, but despite the low profile, her Instagram page warns that she’s usually booked months in advance.
    Lindsy Van Gelder, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
  • With consumer confidence at its lowest level in three years and inflation expected to climb as a consequence of the trade war, even meek Republicans have raised complaints about the impact of some of Trump’s moves on their political future.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Nathan Carman died by suicide in his jail cell in 2023 as the prime suspect in his mother’s mysterious 2016 drowning death at sea — and in the 2013 shooting death of his wealthy grandfather.
    KC Baker, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Advocating for biological men in women’s locker rooms, while rooted in inclusivity, often feels esoteric to the typical voter.
    Nafees Alam, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Fertility data used to be a fairly esoteric concern.
    Noel King, Vox, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the scene itself could be read as a little ambiguous, too: is Sammie trying to pierce the veil again, playing a song that could both foster community but also bring back the vampires?
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As the days turned into weeks, the reality of her situation remained ambiguous.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Not every outfit in his extensive repertoire may be a hit with his fans.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This capability directly addresses use cases involving the analysis of extensive codebases, the summarization of lengthy documents, or maintaining context in prolonged complex interactions necessary for sophisticated AI agents.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When Joao Pedro put Brighton 1-0 up from the penalty spot just after the half-hour, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men had conceded 22 goals without reply and the away supporters were sensing familiar dark emotions.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Throw in a tight scoreline, some inconsistent officiating at times and a chock-full away fan section that stood up singing the entire night, and things were bound to get chippy.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!