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Definition of widespread

widespread

/ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/
wide · spread
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widespread Lexical Profile

widespread Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Found, distributed, or occurring over a large area, or among a great number of people.

Example

"The new educational reforms received widespread support from teachers and parents across the country."

2

Fully opened or extended far apart over a wide space.

Example

"The eagle soared effortlessly above the canyon on its widespread wings."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

wideness
wideout
widescreen
widespread
widget
widow
widowbird

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English as a compound of the adverb "wide" and the past participle "spread," both of Old English Germanic origin. Originally used literally to describe outstretched wings or branches, it later developed its figurative sense of being prevalent across a large area or population.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Widespread. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/widespread
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