1
a
: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area
b
: having a curving line or form
2
a
: extensive
sweeping reforms
b
: marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion
sweeping generalities
sweepingly
adverb
sweepingness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of sweeping in a Sentence
Noun
The porch needs a good sweeping.
Adjective
a sweeping view of the valley
He dismissed the idea with a sweeping motion of his arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming are essential household chores that keep my home tidy.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Last week, the state House of Representatives voted to terminate the incentive effective June 30, 2025, as part of a sweeping tax reform package.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sweeping 
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Noun
Meanwhile, another front sweeping over the the Pacific Northwest and California is leading to snowfall over the Southern Cascades.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming are essential household chores that keep my home tidy.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The big picture: Trump has vowed to impose sweeping tariffs in his next administration, sending companies scrambling to shift production out of China, stock up on inventory and weigh price increases.
—Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Last week, the state House of Representatives voted to terminate the incentive effective June 30, 2025, as part of a sweeping tax reform package.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sweeping
Dictionary Entries Near sweeping
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeping. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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