spread 1 of 2

Definition of spreadnext
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2
as in to apply
to put a layer of on a surface we spread the fertilizer over the lawn evenly until it was fully covered

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3
as in to circulate
to become known once news of the war's end had spread, spontaneous celebrations broke out everywhere

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4
5
as in to part
to go or move in different directions from a central point the walls of the old barn spread under the weight of the snow on the roof

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6

spread

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noun

1
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

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4
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

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5

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 spread
Verb
Then, leave the bathroom door wide open after your shower, so the humidity can spread to other parts of your home. Erin Huffstetler, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026 God of War will follow the storyline of the two most recent games in the franchise, with Kratos and Atreus going on a journey to spread the ashes of Faye, Kratos’ late wife and Atreus’ mother. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
Bonhams, the international auction house, managed to find such a spread in a 42,000-square-foot space that is knitted from the lower floors of an odd collection of prewar buildings and razed lots, with pops of old brick walls and limestone interrupting expanses of sheer, contemporary glass. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026 Stock your pantry with their selection of fruits confits, wines, juices, and spreads, and one of each pastry. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Advertisement The Chinese government has also made a concerted effort to disseminate more positive portrayals of China over social media.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Eight of these units were connected to each other and a linear actuator was installed at one end of the line to apply the force needed to activate the elastocaloric effect.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Regardless of the type, apply the fertilizer in late winter to prepare your tree for the upcoming growing season.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When rumors about her husband begin to circulate, Rulla is forced to confront uncomfortable questions that challenge her beliefs, resilience and commitment, putting her personal life under an unrelenting spotlight.
    Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Conservatives circulated a 2024 report showing the company hosted 102 diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging training sessions in 2023 and the beginning of 2024.
    Bracey Harris, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Callella has been arrested on suspicion of transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • These studies confirmed that quantum bits (qubits) could be transmitted over long-distance fiber optic infrastructure.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The room lit up and the crowd parted.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The owner of The Jessica Simpson Collection’s darker hair was worn down and long and parted in the center, and her glam consisted of a sultry smokey eye.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The program will start with 3,000 volunteers to be selected next summer and will gradually increase to 10,000 per year by 2030.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Allowing its use on these two common crops will drastically expand how much is applied and increase harm, advocates say.
    Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Amazon’s best-selling quilt is reversible, breathable, and designed with a classic diamond pattern that can suit every bedroom’s decor.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The quilt is built for this one.
    Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For many Americans, the most vulnerable eating decisions of the day happen between lunch and dinner, and those decisions could have long-term consequences for how the body and brain handle blood sugar later in the day, according to recent research and reports.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Democratic governors plan to boycott a White House dinner after two of their colleagues were excluded.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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