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

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 wide

Adjective

Originally shared as wedding favors, these tiny delights soon won the wider public’s affection and started being sold everywhere. —

Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 13 Jan. 2025 There's a wide variety of different tools and resources that can be used that need to be authorized by Congress to really help this community on this road to recovery. —

CBS News, 12 Jan. 2025

Adverb

On Friday night, the gap was ripped wide open again with an 80-59 loss to Wisconsin at Kohl Center in Madison. —

Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2025 Bane slides from the wing to the corner, and Morant takes off simultaneously, dragging his man, Fred VanVleet, out of the play and leaving Bane wide open for a corner 3 as Brooks heads to disrupt Wells. —

Fred Katz, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

When placed correctly, light from these fixtures should diffuse throughout the room by bouncing off walls, mirrors, or ceilings to create a broad light distribution.

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Health equity requires a broader approach — one that recognizes and acts on the importance of real life variables like access to nutritious food, stable housing, and transportation.

Ann Marie P. Mauro, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025