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

Under new rules intended to stabilize California’s troubled home insurance market, insurers will be able to set rates by drawing on a wide swath of meteorological, geographic and other data in establishing rates, rather than largely relying on historical losses. —

Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 Considering the different needs and scenes, AI TOP 500 and AI TOP 100 can comprehensively meet a wide range of local AI training needs. —

Gigabyte Contributor, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Adverb

First base is wide open, and Steinbrenner has also expressed interest in pitching upgrades. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024 The fact that the organization spread the wealth in big ways also feeds into this year’s scenario that the race is still wide open, if not blockbuster-driven like last year’s Barbenheimer contest that fueled the season. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

Ives and Ward acknowledge that Cruise did bring GM access to technology that has helped improve safety features across its broader lineup and helped attract top software engineers to the automaker.

Jamie L. LaReau, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
That image has now been lauded by some as a symbol of the broader systemic frustrations with the U.S. health care system that have dominated social media since a gunman brazenly assassinated Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, outside a New York City hotel in daylight.

Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024