deep 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdēp How to pronounce deep (audio)
Definition of deepnext
1
as in profound
extending far downward lowered their bucket down a deep well the ax made a deep cut into the wood

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2
as in low
having a low musical pitch or range the tour guide had an impressively deep voice

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3
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain a deep, dark secret that he took to his grave

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4
as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand her poetry is now regarded as sentimental and not very deep

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5
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning one of those deep passages in the Bible that can be interpreted in any number of different ways

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6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect fell into a deep sleep after taking the potion

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7
as in inherent
firmly established over time a deep devotion to obtaining justice for all, even society's most disadvantaged

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8
as in extensive
having considerable extent an economist with a deep understanding of the forces that propel the global economy

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9
as in immersed
having the mind fixed on something I was so deep in the mystery novel that I didn't hear the doorbell

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10
as in away
not close in time or space an episode in her deep past that she had never spoken about, even to her husband

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deep

2 of 2

noun

1
as in midst
the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

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2
as in sea
the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

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3
as in abyss
an immeasurable depth or space the belief that somewhere in the deep of outer space humankind will meet its ultimate destiny

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Synonym Chooser

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

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 deep
Adjective
If neck pain keeps coming back or the lines bothering you keep getting deeper, talk with a doctor or dermatologist instead of relying on a gadget alone. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 The Lilly Chocolate Suede, meanwhile, is a deeper hue of chocolate brown decorated with jumping lazy hearts. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
The earlier Supergirl, headlined by Helen Slater, deep-sixed at the box office with just over $14M domestic per Box Office Mojo. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Ewers followed it up by trying to squeeze another pass into a tight window deep, but overthrew his target high for an incompletion. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
  1. profound
  2. low
  3. mysterious
  4. esoteric
  5. ambiguous
  6. intense
  7. inherent
  8. extensive
Adjective
  • The odds are not in her favor, owing as much to the industry’s profound systemic inequities as to Misty’s own penchant for self-sabotage.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Elections and institutions Rubio said Venezuela had endured 20 to 25 years of profound trauma affecting every level of society and argued that restoring democracy would require more than organizing a presidential election.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Jaguar also built a car with long, low proportions that are unique in its segment and required a new platform.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Set the scene For a hotel with some of the priciest rooms in the city, Capella Bangkok feels decidedly low key.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of low
Adjective
  • Yeoh plays Olwen, a replicant Blade Runner nearing the end of her life, who partners with Schafer’s Cora, a mysterious new recruit.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • New research suggests the ‘world’s most mysterious manuscript,’ of unknown provenance, made in the Middle Ages (1404–38), is being read all wrong, reports The Guardian.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • But then Mehmet is let go from his job teaching esoteric music practices to university students and the household’s sole steady source of income is gone.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Some say the public backlash to AI, and OpenAI, is partly because messaging from the leading labs can be esoteric, rather than grounded in the day-to-day benefits of AI, and in some cases, downright frightening.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of esoteric
Adjective
  • Here, the movie acquires an ambiguous power, and the proceedings begin to head south.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
  • To reveal more of Okita’s endlessly surprising and playfully ambiguous script would be to rob audiences of the film’s numerous pleasures, which run the gamut from hearty belly-laughs to heartbreaking melodrama.
    — James Marsh, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Through it all, Pi-o and Jeong-yo’s intense, often tender relationship serves as a throughline, bringing many viewers to question if the Netflix series qualifies as a boys’ love (aka BL) drama.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Castle of Oia is also lovely—though the sunset-seeking crowds can be intense.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • Differences in wrinkling, color, markings, grain and veining are inherent characteristics of the material, making each pair subtly unique without affecting its quality or performance.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Rosatom says this inherent design prevents severe disasters, removing any need to evacuate local communities during an accident.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of inherent
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

Phrases Containing deep

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deems
deep
deepen
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Cite this Entry

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

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