WIDE Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

Q: In what contexts can 'broad' take the place of 'wide'?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: When is 'deep' a more appropriate choice than 'wide'?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

wide 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwīd

Definition of wide next

as in broad

having a greater than usual measure across the river is so wide that building a bridge across it would be impractical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent a wide and detailed knowledge of the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wide

2 of 2

adverb

as in quite

to a full extent or degree the door was wide open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In what contexts can broad take the place of wide?

Although the words broad and wide have much in common, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is deep a more appropriate choice than wide?

In some situations, the words deep and wide are roughly equivalent. However, deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

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 wide

Adjective

The trade-off is a climate where big-name coaches can thrive as the transfer portal and name, image and likeness payments disperse talent across a wider array of schools. —

Matt Baker, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 Expect blooms around an inch or so wide on 18-inch-tall stems. —

Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025

Adverb

But much like Super Bowl XXV, where Norwood missed his game-winning field goal wide right, Tyler Bass did the exact same. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 Laurent is accused, in a judge’s report, of leaving the oversized iron gates to Moïse’s front yard wide open after informing Dragon of the president’s presence inside. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

His remarks come as Trump critics have continued to raise concerns about recent actions by the DOJ, including Bondi issuing a directive to review the federal prosecution of Trump as part of a broader initiative to overhaul the DOJ, which Trump has long claimed is biased against conservatives.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Overall, Israel is also still pursuing the broader goal of causing regime change in Iran, one of the recent US intelligence reports says.

— Jennifer Hansler, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025