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Synonym Chooser

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

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

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Examples 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 broad Finally, Irving notes that there are broader questions that researchers who work on debate will need to answer. Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Trump has outlined several broad themes that could affect the business of tech, including wider leeway for the cryptocurrency industry and skepticism of the Justice Department’s antitrust case seeking a possible breakup of Google. David Ingram, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 This cautious approach reflects a broader ethos within Autodesk, where the focus is on increasing both efficiency and effectiveness. Peter High, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The most effective IROs need to have broader experience within the finance organization. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broad 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad
Adjective
  • Many of the recipients are college students from a wide range of schools nationwide, including Ohio State University, Clemson University in South Carolina, the University of Southern California and Missouri State University, NBC News has confirmed.
    Char Adams, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Microsoft hasn't shared a full version release date or announced wider availability.
    Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The 725,000-square-foot center underwent an extensive renovation beginning in 2008.
    Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The Lego Store in Downtown Disney that has been closed for an extensive remodel since early October will reopen on Dec. 1, according to the Disneyland website.
    Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But what was once hard to fathom is now an obvious reality.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Paul and Brian’s relationship, for example, is a minor one compared to most of the central friendships, but there’s an obvious appeal to the drastic contrast in their energies.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This is a wisp of a premise — aside from her muted graffiti efforts, our protagonist’s grief manifests itself more as general moodiness than anything particularly tangible.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Trump, meanwhile, leaned on some famous Black male supporters, including controversial former NFL standouts Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, while also pitching himself to men in general through social media influencers, creators and podcasters.
    Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This time, President-elect Donald Trump knows a lot more about how to manipulate the levers of power and plans to surround himself with loyalists willing to do his bidding in making sweeping changes to both policies and processes.
    Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • There was little love lost between them – over the state of negotiations with Hamas, Israel’s military strategy and Netanyahu’s bid to bring in a sweeping overhaul of the judiciary in 2023.
    Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Today’s in-store experience will often include elaborate displays, holiday scents wafting through the air, and the unmistakable sound of Christmas carols.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Colonial-style home, listed by Marjorie Galen of Sotheby’s International Realty, is painted an unmistakable bright yellow hue—as expected by its name—as an homage to the original Yellow Barn.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Our first test is UL's PCMark 10, which simulates a variety of real-world productivity and office workflows to measure overall system performance and also includes a storage subtest for the primary drive.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The company continues to focus on returning to overall profitability and is pursuing strategic partnerships to strengthen long-term profitability.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The occasionally deep thinkers on the Grading The Week crew don’t mind coaches who refuse to stick to sports.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The rain will be history, but the cold will be even deeper.
    Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near broad

Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on broad

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