DEEP Synonyms: 461 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'deep' different from other adjectives like it?

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep . While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

Q: Where would 'broad' be a reasonable alternative to 'deep'?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: When is it sensible to use 'wide' instead of 'deep'?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, 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

deep 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdēp

Definition of deep next

as in profound

extending far downward lowered their bucket down a deep well the ax made a deep cut into the wood

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Relevance

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as in low

having a low musical pitch or range the tour guide had an impressively deep voice

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as in mysterious

being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain a deep, dark secret that he took to his grave

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as in esoteric

difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand her poetry is now regarded as sentimental and not very deep

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as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning one of those deep passages in the Bible that can be interpreted in any number of different ways

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as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect fell into a deep sleep after taking the potion

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as in rooted

firmly established over time a deep devotion to obtaining justice for all, even society's most disadvantaged

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as in extensive

having considerable extent an economist with a deep understanding of the forces that propel the global economy

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as in immersed

having the mind fixed on something I was so deep in the mystery novel that I didn't hear the doorbell

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as in away

not close in time or space an episode in her deep past that she had never spoken about, even to her husband

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deep

2 of 2

noun

as in midst

the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

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as in sea

the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

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as in abyss

an immeasurable depth or space the belief that somewhere in the deep of outer space humankind will meet its ultimate destiny

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Synonym Chooser

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

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 deep

Adjective

Larry Shapiro, Calgary, Alberta Hamas has no conscience Seeing the sickly, gaunt faces of the three Israeli hostages released by Hamas in Gaza on Feb. 8 presented a clear picture of the loathing and deep hostility their abductors felt for them. —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 Smooth, deep, and a little seductive, just like the vibe. —

Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025

Noun

But the Hard Quartet dip their four sets of lips into those waters and drink deep. —

Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024 Then, in the meeting, see what resonates and dig in deep. —

Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep

Adjective

This change has been accompanied by profound cultural change, with food and practices generally associated with Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries becoming more common in the state.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Keith remains to a large degree elusive, but Magaro subtly gives us insight into what drives his artistry, which is then augmented by Watts’ observations, from a critic’s P.O.V., and those of Manfred, a protective friend and professional associate with a profound respect for Jarrett’s gifts.

— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025