wide 1 of 2

Definition of widenext

wide

2 of 2

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

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
That last number reflects a 33% drop from 2022 due to industry-wide strike delays. Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 For perception and interaction, SamuRoid includes a 1080p wide-angle camera mounted on a 2-DOF gimbal, enabling wide-field-of-view tracking with pan-tilt motion. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Adverb
The film will go wide ahead of Christmas on Wednesday, December 22, 2027. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026 Arvidsson circled wide and came in slowly but Lyon left him no opening. ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide
Adjective
  • Key and especially Strong could convey depth and emotion, subtlety, and often weirdness via their small choices and close ups, defining their characters in opposition to the town’s broad-for-the-sake-of-comedy denizens.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The development reflects a broader Pentagon effort to counter low-cost, high-volume aerial threats.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • My daughter’s learning disabilities required extensive intervention.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Broncos’ third-round pick didn’t take a top-30 visit or have extensive pre-draft communication with Denver, as the organization typically keeps its board close to its vest.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Nothing says summer quite like picking the ripe homegrown tomato straight from your garden.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
  • After days of whirlwind weather, Chicagoans can expect to see conditions mellow out this week — but April showers aren’t over quite yet.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Across the street, through a thick tangle of forest, the Khodymchuks’ building stood tall and gray in the snow.
    Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Not only does the material ensure comfort and support, but the unique design, with thick straps that curve to the exact shape of my arches and a cupped heel, creates a glove-like fit that hugs my feet.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Towering columns and sweeping walls of gas and dust dominate the scene.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Set against the sweeping natural landscape of the eponymous island.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The risk is moving too fast on a feeling without a plan.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • That’s especially true during fast-changing storm systems like those that produced tornadoes in northeast Kansas last week.
    Matthew Kelly April 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The gangland drama is deeper and darker than the domestic one, strengthened by the unexpected portrayal of the Russian toughs as bumbling in their own way.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Edge is one of the strongest, and deepest, position groups in this draft.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Her racial ambiguity was perfectly calibrated to an era in which brands were clamoring to amplify their social-media presence by appealing to as many audiences as possible.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Greenard perfectly fit defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/wide. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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