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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 broad And over the next 30 years, that feeling spread across a very broad cross-section of Americans. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026 His broad tariffs failed to boost demand and the plant's former owner, International Motors, chose to offload the facility. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Outside the courtroom, a broader conversation simmers on social media. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 At Will Does Not Answer Every Question California’s at-will rule gives employers broad room to make personnel decisions, including decisions an employee may consider abrupt or poorly reasoned. — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for broad

Adjective

Four of these angles implicitly frame the corners of a square, while a fifth seems to indicate a wider area around it.

— Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The Trasks encounter a wide swath of citizens, haggling with sneaky cheats, exploiting innocent fools, and befriending big-hearted neighbors.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

While the property’s extensive and expensive renovation has elevated nearly every corner of the resort, the room doors appear to have been overlooked.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Contact the treating clinician promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, extensive blistering, eye symptoms, or a reaction substantially more severe than described.

— Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

The tents with a bathroom in them, a seemingly obvious upgrade from those without (there’s a communal washroom), have toilets that aren’t completely enclosed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Davide Sgariboldi, general manager at Euroitalia, said that causes excitement.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

The Ratepayer Protection Act, meant to prevent data centers from raising electricity prices, enjoyed sweeping support in the House from all but three Democrats while all but four of their colleagues in the Senate opposed it.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
The Justice Department’s settlement proposal at the time sought sweeping changes to admissions, protest rules and other campus policies, including a public declaration that UCLA does not recognize transgender people’s gender identities.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

Its bright instrumentation and warm, easygoing rhythm make the track an uplifting addition with an unmistakable sense of place.

— qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
The show’s combination of a dark family saga and an idyllic tropical setting made the Florida Keys an unmistakable part of the story.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of unmistakable

Cite this Entry

Style

“Broad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broad. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of broad

adjective

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