WIDE Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wide 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwīd

Definition of wide

as in broad

having a greater than usual measure across the river is so wide that building a bridge across it would be impractical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent a wide and detailed knowledge of the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wide

2 of 2

adverb

as in quite

to a full extent or degree the door was wide open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Any unresolved financial rights, liabilities or claims shall be addressed within the context of a wider national process later, and in accordance with the relevant Palestinian law. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Organizations can gain a broader understanding of system-wide performance by integrating clinical and operational data sources. — Bindu Madhavi Mangalampalli, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Adverb

The refrigerators, which measure about 58 inches high, 24 inches deep and 21 inches wide, were sold in black, blue, red and white, according to the recall notice. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Perennially frail, sick, and gaunt, the ambient guitar composer had devoted his life to a sprawling catalog, some 40 albums wide, that resembles a matchstick model of paradise. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

The broader Great American AI Act seeks one federal baseline, while antitrust and chatbot bills target risk-sharing, labeling and consumer deception.

— Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The big retailers have also struggled in the past to capture a broader slice of the healthcare pie.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

Leading firms are actively recruiting professionals with extensive client-side experience to enhance service delivery.

— Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Burke’s lawyers sought to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, questioning why investigators had not conducted more extensive testing, including DNA analysis, on certain items found in Burke’s home or on the exterior of his Tesla.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

The dishes use simple seasoning like thick Atlantic Salt, olive oil and lemon to enhance instead of masking the ingredients.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Sweltering heat waves, heavy rain and thick wildfire smoke have often made outdoor activities dangerous.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 July 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

Enterprise Mobility offers a sweeping sustainability program, including a carbon offset option that allows customers to purchase carbon credits from third-party partner Terrapass at the time of rental.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
China has now codified that drive in a sweeping new ethnic unity law, which came into force July 1.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adverb

Anything below 20,000 double rubs may wear down faster and is better suited to a bouclé loveseat, accent chair or other low-traffic piece of bouclé furniture.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
That adoption, which had previously been unreported, seems consistent for a team that leans on data, employs a Gen Z roster and trusts a coaching staff stocked with millennials who care how fast their pitchers throw ball four.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of fast

Adjective

The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.

— Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of deep

Adverb

Tom’s evolution from a young advisor to a cornerstone of our firm perfectly illustrates why mentorship is the lifeblood of any thriving organization.

— Corey McQuade, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
All perfectly comfortable, well-designed, if a little innocuous across the board.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Definition of perfectly

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of wide

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adverb

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Synonyms of wide

adjective

adverb

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Phrases Containing wide

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on wide

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