widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: widely diffused or prevalent

widespread public interest

2

: widely extended or spread out

low, widespread hood and fenders

—Time

a widespread erosion surface

—C. B. Hitchcock

Synonyms

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

Examples of widespread in a Sentence

There is widespread public interest in the election.

Trade partners had become more widespread.

There was widespread opposition to the plan.

Recent Examples on the Web

Portions of the Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valleys all stand a chance of being hit with widespread showers and thunderstorms as the storm moves eastward to the Appalachians, the weather service said. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025

As widespread flooding swamped Kentucky, Kentucky Route 160 in Knott County was closed due to a landslide, while some homes in Perry County were evacuated, and waters in Hardin County reached historic levels, Gov. Andy Beshear said Saturday afternoon. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025

This widespread system could lead to flash flooding, tornadoes, and freezing temperatures, increasing risks to public safety. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Their capabilities range from organizing desks and sorting items to operating complex equipment, demonstrating the potential for widespread application across multiple industries. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: scattered or found over a wide area

widespread interest in the election

2

: spread out over a wide area

widespread wings