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wide

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adverb

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
Nothing stands still; there's always something new happening in the wider landscape. Al Kingsley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 FreshDirect has a wide range of appetizers, desserts and beverages that can be added to your order to make your celebration even more complete. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Wine red gowns with lacey sleeves, black satin slip dresses that pair perfectly with a shawl, the closet is wide open — and the choices are fun. Clint Davis, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 But at the end of the day there should never be anyone wide open in the back of the end zone. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wide 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • The truck Sanchez is driving is one of hundreds of such next-generation vehicles that are part of a small but growing electric-truck ecosystem taking shape in California ahead of broader zero emission mandates.
    Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The agency also has broad oversight of a swath of consumer goods, including cosmetics, electronic cigarettes and most foods.
    Aleccia Washington, Twin Cities, 15 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
Adverb
  • His mimicry of Satchmo, the baseline test all these shows must pass, really is quite impressive.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Just like many areas that saw a surge of visitors seeking outdoor adventure during COVID, Sedona’s popularity—which was already quite high—soared further.
    Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Inside, instead of a traditional flimsy insole, there’s a removable thick layer of PEBA foam resting directly on the carbon fiber plate.
    Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • This was achieved through the installation of a stronger carbon fiber cross-brace between the front shock towers and a thicker undertray bolted beneath the engine.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 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
Adverb
  • Buy from Patagonia For the Yogi Hugger Mugger Yoga Wipes Nothing throws off a practice faster than a stinky mat.
    Abigail Wise, Outside Online, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Unfortunately, policy rarely moves faster than science.
    Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 15 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
Adverb
  • In another old photo with a couple of deep scratches (below), the filter worked better, if not perfectly.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • The dish fits perfectly with Julia Rivera’s cooking style, which fuses her family’s Korean cuisine with other cuisines, like Mexican. Tokio, in Denver’s Ballpark district, also keeps cheesy ramen, Cremoso Diablo, on the menu.
    Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near wide

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on wide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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