BROAD Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'broad' different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad . While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered. // broad shoulders

Q: Where would 'deep' be a reasonable alternative to 'broad'?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point. // a deep cupboard // deep woods

Q: When could 'wide' be used to replace 'broad'?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

broad

adjective

ˈbrȯd

Definition of broad next

as in wide

having a greater than usual measure across an unusually broad expanse of water in the island-dotted lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

having considerable extent her broad knowledge of American politics makes her a much-sought-after guest on talk shows

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as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation gave them a broad hint that it was time to leave

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as in general

relating to the main elements and not to specific details a broad overview of the topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broad different from other adjectives like it?

The words deep and wide are common synonyms of broad. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

Where would deep be a reasonable alternative to broad?

The synonyms deep and broad are sometimes interchangeable, but deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard

deep woods

When could wide be used to replace broad?

The words wide and broad are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Examples 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 broad Finally, Irving notes that there are broader questions that researchers who work on debate will need to answer. —

Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Trump has outlined several broad themes that could affect the business of tech, including wider leeway for the cryptocurrency industry and skepticism of the Justice Department’s antitrust case seeking a possible breakup of Google. —

David Ingram, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 This cautious approach reflects a broader ethos within Autodesk, where the focus is on increasing both efficiency and effectiveness. —

Peter High, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The most effective IROs need to have broader experience within the finance organization. —

Megan Poinski, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

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