widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred How to pronounce widespread (audio)
1
: widely diffused or prevalent
widespread public interest
2
: widely extended or spread out
low, widespread hood and fendersTime
a widespread erosion surfaceC. B. Hitchcock

Examples of widespread in a Sentence

There is widespread public interest in the election. Trade partners had become more widespread. There was widespread opposition to the plan.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The plaintiffs said in court filings that Trump's drastic downsizing of federal agencies will result in an array of widespread harms to the public, including gutting disaster relief programs, public health services, food safety inspections, and contagious disease prevention. Daniel Wiessner, USA Today, 23 May 2025 His remarks led to an immediate and dramatic fallout, including the loss of lucrative partnerships with major brands like Adidas, Balenciaga, and Gap. He was also restricted on several social media platforms and faced widespread backlash across the entertainment and fashion industries. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025 Loyalty programs are widespread—but often feel empty. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Our research suggests that climate warming has resulted in more four-year-early straggling events that are increasingly dense, widespread and likely to leave offspring. Chris Simon, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for widespread

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of widespread was in 1582

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Cite this Entry

“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widespread. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

widespread

adjective
wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred How to pronounce widespread (audio)
1
: scattered or found over a wide area
widespread interest in the election
2
: spread out over a wide area
widespread wings

More from Merriam-Webster on widespread

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