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
Timea widespread erosion surface—C. B. Hitchcock
C. B. HitchcockExamples 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
Economists are warning that the friction between the world's two largest economies could cause widespread damage and a possible global recession, even after after the 90-day pause on some tariffs.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
These efforts have triggered a series of legal challenges and widespread public backlash.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
And should Sunday’s result be the reason for a widespread meltdown?
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Its widespread presence across global retail networks ensures consistent brand exposure and accessibility.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for widespread
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Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
These efforts have triggered a series of legal challenges and widespread public backlash.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
And should Sunday’s result be the reason for a widespread meltdown?
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Its widespread presence across global retail networks ensures consistent brand exposure and accessibility.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for widespread
Cite this Entry
“Widespread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widespread. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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