BROAD Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'broad' different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad . While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: Where would 'deep' be a reasonable alternative to 'broad'?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

Q: When could 'wide' be used to replace 'broad'?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broad different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 broad The broad market's rise lifted some components of the S & P 500 – notably a few energy stocks – into overbought territory, based on the relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator that tracks the velocity and size of price changes. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 While Pacific Neon now largely does LED sign work, reflecting a broad shift in the sign industry, veteran hands like Uroff, 70, can serve a valuable purpose when needed. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026 The agreement’s broad promises — a new Palestinian administration, an international security force, Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal — have stalled amid deepening disagreements. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 The Type 01 is just one vehicle of a broader relaunch for Jaguar, with all future vehicles being electric and priced in the same neighborhood. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

Expanding final assembly facilities must therefore be matched by reliable deliveries from suppliers and sufficient skilled labour across the wider production network.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
In our view, that would be strong evidence of a Tier-1 bottom and an important signal for the wider market.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

While the property’s extensive and expensive renovation has elevated nearly every corner of the resort, the room doors appear to have been overlooked.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Contact the treating clinician promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, extensive blistering, eye symptoms, or a reaction substantially more severe than described.

— Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

The tents with a bathroom in them, a seemingly obvious upgrade from those without (there’s a communal washroom), have toilets that aren’t completely enclosed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Davide Sgariboldi, general manager at Euroitalia, said that causes excitement.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

Virunga Lodge is a rustic hilltop retreat with ten suites (or bandas), half overlooking stunning Lake Burera, the other with sweeping views of Rwanda's jagged volcanic peaks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
The award was presented during American Film Night, a collaboration between THR and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), staged on the 33rd floor of the Park Hyatt Busan with sweeping views of the waterfront and Gwangan Bridge.

— Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

There’s an unmistakable impression throughout that this woman… or whatever is pretending to be one… might burn down the house.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Dramatic, chaotic and yet totally controlled, the productions by Saul Milton and Will Kennard are unmistakable.

— Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Adjective

At the same time, overall guitar sales have been in slight but years-long decline so growth has to come at rivals’ expense.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
The heel of the shoe and its tongue tag also feature co-branding with Nigo and j-hope’s names on them and, instead of standard cotton laces, the sneakers have braided, multicolor ropes that pick up on the overall color scheme.

— Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of overall

Adjective

Shamet shot three-of-four from deep for 13 points in 16 minutes, and Clarkson scored seven points in nine minutes.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
With c, the followup to last year’s UNMUSIQUE, Lucy is now two full-length projects deep for deadAir, sporting a new distribution deal with Atlantic and trying to translate their dreamscapes for bigger crowds.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of deep

Cite this Entry

Style

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of broad

adjective

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