widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: widely diffused or prevalent

widespread public interest

2

: widely extended or spread out

low, widespread hood and fenders

—Time

a widespread erosion surface

—C. B. Hitchcock

Synonyms

• broad
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• extensive
• far-flung
• far-reaching
• rangy
• sweeping
• wide
• wide-ranging

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

Palestinians face widespread hunger because fighting and Israeli restrictions have largely cut off the flow of aid. —Sam Mednick, TIME, 8 June 2024

Concerns are widespread, extending to immigrants who were brought here as children, or whose presence in the United States is protected under programs like Temporary Protected Status, a humanitarian relief that offers deportation protections and work permits to people from nations in turmoil. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 6 June 2024

When these hatches are widespread, the bass spread out as well. —Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 6 June 2024

Scientists don’t know exactly how widespread Massospora is or how many of the billions of cicadas buzzing around the U.S. will be affected. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

widespread

adjective

wide·​spread ˈwīd-ˈspred 

1

: scattered or found over a wide area

widespread interest in the election

2

: spread out over a wide area

widespread wings