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deep

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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
Bullying is often a symptom of something deeper, like insecurity, anxiety, trauma, or difficulty regulating emotions, says Shaw. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2025 Tequila has long been celebrated for its deep Mexican heritage and craftsmanship, but Black entrepreneurs, mixologists, and investors are now making their mark on the industry. Essence, 10 July 2025
Noun
Nexon said the number of tables at her show has nearly tripled to over 100 and is only limited by space with a waiting list at least 40 deep. Michael Salfino, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Broome, a 51 percent shooter from the floor this year, shot just 8-for-19 (42.1 percent) from the field vs. the Gators' deep, imposing frontcourt. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • In 2012, Phyllis Barkman Ferrell experienced a profound irony.
    Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Close to a third lose their job, and the social isolation can be profound.
    April Dembosky, NPR, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the United States, a measles outbreak that originated in a part of West Texas that has a low vaccination rate continues to spread, and there have been more measles cases reported in the US this year than any other since the disease was declared eliminated a quarter-century ago.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Europe’s Stoxx 600 index closed 0.06% lower on Monday, after shaving off losses late in the day to finish at a session high.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • More Miguel Rodriguez/Getty Images What's so mysterious about a team playing well?
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Years after gaining superpowers from being bombarded by cosmic rays in space, the astronauts-turned-superheroes face a new threat when the mysterious Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), heralds the coming of the world-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson).
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • At first, users had to type to do things with files and programs, using esoteric commands to navigate up and down the directory structures that contained them.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
  • After Congress reversed course on accountability in 2015, results for everyone got worse, even as progressive jurisdictions started adopting increasingly esoteric equity strategies.
    Matthew Yglesias, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Automate routine monitoring, but require cross-functional review for ambiguous or high-impact alerts, providing clear explanations.
    Dr. Chiranjiv Roy, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • At times, though, there’s nothing ambiguous or veiled in his work.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The finish is long and intense, with lingering orchard fruits and spices.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • People should avoid long and intense outdoor activity and stay inside when possible, NWS advises.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, its extensive amount of green space hasn’t always been a reality for the city.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
  • The Interview, Part One In this two-part discussion, Rockwell reflects on his extensive career and speaks to the many considerations that go into designing a restaurant.
    Sofia Perez, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Burrow was a victim of a home burglary in December while playing an away game against the Dallas Cowboys.
    Zach Powell, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • Picking the right song lyric for an away message on AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), hoping your crush would see it and message you.
    Chantal Waldholz, Glamour, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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