wider; widest
1
a
: having great extent : vast
a wide area
b
: extending over a vast area : extensive
a wide reputation
c
: extending throughout a specified area or scope
—usually used in combination
nationwide
industry-wide
d
: comprehensive, inclusive
a wide assortment
2
a
: having a specified extension from side to side
3 feet wide
b
: having much extent between the sides : broad
a wide doorway
c
: fully opened
wide-eyed
d
3
a
: extending or fluctuating considerably between limits
a wide variation
b
: straying or deviating from something specified
—used with of
the accusation was wide of the truth
4
of an animal ration
: relatively rich in carbohydrate as compared with protein
wideness
noun
wider; widest
1
a
: over a great distance or extent : widely
searched far and wide
b
: over a specified distance, area, or extent
—usually used in combination
expanded the business country-wide
2
a
: so as to leave much space or distance between
placed wide apart
b
: so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance
ran wide around left end
3
: to the fullest extent : completely, fully
wide open
Synonyms
Adjective
Adverb
Examples of wide in a Sentence
Adjective
the widest part of the river
The desk is three feet wide.
How wide is the doorway?
Her eyes were wide with wonder.
We have a wide range of options.
a job calling for wide experience
The election received wide news coverage.
Adverb
The poles were placed wide apart.
He opened his eyes wide.
They spread the map out wide.
His mouth was wide open.
They like to hike through wide open spaces.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
Contributing editor Megan Michelson is an award-winning journalist who covers travel and the outdoors for a wide range of publications, including Outside, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
—Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
Dan Cancian, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Anze Kopitar, who entered the game as the active leader in points against Colorado, collected his second assist of the night by finding Kempe wide open for a one-timer.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wide 
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Adjective
The series is planned to be shot in a wide range of diverse locations as its protagonist explores the world, including Finland, Italy, Japan, Tibet, and Kenya.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
Contributing editor Megan Michelson is an award-winning journalist who covers travel and the outdoors for a wide range of publications, including Outside, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
—Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
Adverb
The Briton’s chances of blowing the championship race wide open evaporated in Brazil three weeks ago, as the Dutchman secured his first Grand Prix victory since June 23 despite starting 17th.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Anze Kopitar, who entered the game as the active leader in points against Colorado, collected his second assist of the night by finding Kempe wide open for a one-timer.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wide
Dictionary Entries Near wide
Cite this Entry
“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wide. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wide
1 of 2 adjective
wider; widest
1
a
: covering a large area
the whole wide world
b
: extending over, reaching, or affecting a vast area : extensive
wide publicity
c
: not limited : comprehensive
a job calling for wide experience
a wide assortment
2
a
: measured across or at right angles to length
cloth 40 feet wide
b
: having a great measure across : broad
a wide river
c
: opened as far as possible
3
a
: extending or fluctuating considerably between limits
a wide variation
b
: far from the thing in question
a charge wide of the truth
widely
adverb
wideness
noun
wide
2 of 2 adverb1
: over a great distance or extent : widely
searched far and wide
2
a
: so as to leave much space between
placed wide apart
b
: so as to clear by a wide distance
ran wide around the left end
3
: to the fullest extent : completely
opened his eyes wide
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