spreads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spread
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2
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as in parts
to go or move in different directions from a central point the walls of the old barn spread under the weight of the snow on the roof

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

spreads

2 of 2

noun

plural of spread
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as in quilts
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in spectrums
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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 spreads
Verb
Excitement spreads across Shiz as word gets out that Prince Fiyero is on his way. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 To the west, strong winds and several inches of snow were forecast from northern Idaho to western Iowa on Monday as a low pressure system moves east from the Rockies and spreads over the Plains and Midwest regions. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 Fear spreads quickly, and understandably. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024 The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets released when people cough, sneeze or talk. Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 27 Dec. 2024 Measles, which spreads rapidly, is an excellent example. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 Wastewater testing can therefore give an earlier and more accurate indication of COVID-19 levels as the infection spreads to different areas, rather than just relying on positive tests. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 An innovation center in Germany spreads festive cheer with a unique holiday greeting. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2024 The Fresh Market Fresh Market offers a variety of meal packages and a la carte options ranging from classic holiday ham meals to prime rib meals and holiday brunch spreads. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 13 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spreads
Verb
  • The same logic applies to the Illinois state flag.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This article was generated by the Kansas City Star Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes structured information from TomTom and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That minimal percentage is caused by extremely dry air that circulates throughout the cabin at 30,000 feet.
    Sara Button, AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024
  • There’s no air conditioning, but a fan circulates air, and tents stay cool overnight.
    Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Unlike narrowband or Wi-Fi technologies that use specific frequency bands, UWB transmits data across a wide range of frequencies, enabling precise location tracking, high data rates and minimal interference with other signals.
    Iri Trashanki, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The tower transmits signals to the local radio station, KKOB-AM.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 15 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The peculiar behavior of these materials, where resistance increases linearly with temperature, contrasting with the quadratic behavior in typical metals, has puzzled scientists for years.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2025
  • This approach increases data reliability, while providing a granular understanding of how the physical environment interacts with social regulation.
    Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • State banquets are a rich tradition and an important part of state visits, with diplomatic dinners held to honor a visiting head of state.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Those who don’t care to take a dip in the Intracoastal will swoon over the heated indoor pool and spa, flanked by a vast patio and outdoor kitchen for those breezy, barefoot dinners under the stars.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These wide expanses of dense maritime forest are largely left alone.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The eastern portion of the country was heavily forested, while the Great Plains and western regions contained vast expanses of grasslands and shrubs.
    Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Midfielder Curtis Jones has deputised at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle) sidelined, but a fully fit Bradley gives Slot a specialist in that role.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Williams gives Daigneault the freedom to do it.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Steve Hard, the current head of medical at Portsmouth, explains how there are more layers to the job the higher a club rises through the leagues.
    Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Each time the calendar flips during the NBA season, that number rises by just under $12k.
    Tony East, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Spreads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spreads. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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