wide 1 of 2

Definition of widenext

wide

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In what contexts can broad take the place of wide?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is deep a more appropriate choice than wide?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

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 wide
Adjective
While the chicken cooks, set up a wide array of salsas and toppings for a fun build-your-own weeknight meal. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 June 2026 Old Whisky For Young Consumers Despite a wide range of whiskies in its portfolio, with several age statements as low as 12 years, The Macallan deliberately chose much older whisky for a campaign focused on time, legacy and patience. Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adverb
The Samba Jane is part of the ultra-low profile trend that M Science has been tracking industry-wide. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 June 2026 Martinsville, Illinois, population 1,118, two square miles wide, an hour and 40 minutes from Decatur, located in the southeast corner of the state, is nowhere at all. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • Jackson will now look to reunite a Republican Party left battered by the most expensive and divisive gubernatorial primary in Georgia history, while also trying to convince a broader electorate that a healthcare executive with no political experience is prepared to lead Georgia.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
  • The investigation has also prompted broader questions about the bridge itself and how the site was being used.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Iran also committed to open its facilities to extensive international inspections in exchange for the sanctions relief and unfreezing of its foreign assets.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Every gas article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 19 June 2026
Adverb
  • Looking to be quite aggressive in a football sense and always looking for the solution and what can happen instead of worrying about what the problem is.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Nothing stings quite like being steps from getting your credit card out to make a glorious purchase, and finding that your promo code isn’t working.
    Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Whisk it in until the dressing is rich, thick, and emulsified, which takes less than a minute.
    Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
  • With adjustable straps, a thick elastic band, empire waist, and a ruffle trim, this Grace Karin maxi will become the most versatile dress in your closet.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • For best results, apply with a damp beauty sponge using a stippling motion rather than sweeping strokes, which can disturb coverage and leave streaks.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026
  • Tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of the Italian capital in anti- and pro- migration demonstrations Saturday, after a far-right citizens’ initiative seeking sweeping measures against migrants garnered enough support to be brought to Parliament.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 June 2026
Adverb
  • To make matters worse, microbiome testing has gotten cheaper and faster, but not more accurate.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
  • But this case shows that assumption can fall apart fast.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The contrast between bright snowfields and deep shadows has always pushed displays to their limits, but on the G6, viewers can finally see the deep, rich blacks that the filmmakers originally intended.
    Nam Sunwoo, Variety, 19 June 2026
  • The judge additionally said that Sarsour's deep ties to the community and his health concerns were also considered in ruling in favor of his release.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Adverb
  • The passage is incoherent, yet, in conflating progressive reform with arrogant blind faith, it is perfectly suited to Vance’s cynical conservatism.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • The robust selection feels bespoke and unexpected, catering perfectly to anyone on the hunt for something truly unique.
    Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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