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 former is wide open; the latter is cluttered with blue bloods at the top. —

Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 The restaurant can be experienced in a wide variety of ways, from solo dining to a more communal eating experience. —

Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

Adverb

The Wildcats introduced Brennan on Jan. 17, with the gates to the transfer portal wide open. —

Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 So this will all be answered tomorrow in a year that at this point is still wide open. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide

Adjective

Despite intersex invisibility in broader society, our incontrovertible existence demonstrates that Trump’s order is neither based in reality nor biology.

— Alicia Roth Weigel, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Under the program, Miami Gardens police are given broad powers to stop and arrest people who appear to be loitering or trespassing at the participating business.

— JULIE K. BROWN, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025