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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 of broad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most disturbing acts of folk horror occur in the broad daylight in a film that's honestly the most unsettling breakup movie ever. 18. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 The week of the election itself, the broad market index has seen a median gain of 0.56%. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 Some of those locations were in transportation hubs, such as airports, which could account for the broader spread of illness. Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024 Her duties will include developing and implementing a strategic, multi-year fundraising plan designed to engage a broader community and increase the museum's overall budget. Deb Harvell, arkansasonline.com, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broad 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near broad

Cite this Entry

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on broad

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