sweeping

1 of 2

noun

sweep·​ing ˈswē-piŋ 

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

gave the room a good sweeping

2

sweepings plural : things collected by sweeping : refuse

sweeping

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

a

: extensive

sweeping reforms

b

: marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion

sweeping generalities

sweepingly adverb

sweepingness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• broad
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• extensive
• far-flung
• far-reaching
• rangy
• wide
• wide-ranging
• widespread

Examples of sweeping in a Sentence

Noun

The porch needs a good sweeping.

Adjective

a sweeping view of the valley

He dismissed the idea with a sweeping motion of his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Unlike the Olympic version, there is no sweeping in German curling. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2024

That storm will begin as isolated storms and bring a high threat of tornadoes and large hail, before merging and sweeping across the eastern portions of the state, like Milwaukee, and bring strong wind gusts. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 21 May 2024

Adjective

Authors of a sweeping new review of research into social media and mental health say there’s still key information missing to know whether prevention programs and interventions will work. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 24 June 2024

In a sweeping lawsuit, the department accused the company of illegally monopolizing the market for concert-ticket sales, eliminating competitors, hurting artists, and forcing concertgoers to pay artificially high prices that often include a host of additional fees. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sweeping

• sweeping victory

Kids Definition

sweeping

1 of 2 noun

sweep·​ing

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

2

plural : things collected by sweeping

sweeping

2 of 2 adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

: broad sense 5

sweeping reforms

sweeping generalizations

sweepingly

ˈswē-piŋ-lē

adverb