SWEEPING Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

sweeping 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sweeping

as in broad

having considerable extent calls for sweeping changes in the way the nation manages security in its major ports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sweeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sweep

as in flowing

to move or proceed smoothly and readily the wind swept across the plain without respite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in curving

to turn away from a straight line or course from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straightening

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 sweeping

Adjective

The report comes three months after a federal judge ordered sweeping reforms at the facility and appointed two court monitors to assess the conditions at the facility. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 That doesn't mean retirees should make sweeping portfolio changes whenever inflation rises, however. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Lower pressure through the upper atmosphere is pushing inland and diving south, sweeping in cooler temperatures and passing clouds across the Golden State between Friday and Sunday. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 At the same time, teenage Nussbaum yearned to fit in school, to find the perfect Villager brand outfit, a skirt sweater over a shirt with a Peter Pan collar that (in those pre-hippie days) was sweeping suburban high schools. — Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping

Adjective

Russian media highlighted an even broader collection of technologies, including mass drone deployments, counter-drone systems, electronic warfare, precision weapons and mobile assault units.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
Individually, the songs on Beat were largely recognizable in the broader indie rock world—post-rock and shoegaze live alongside torchy trip-hop and pure ambient.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of broad

Verb

The cash is flowing to candidates, super PACs and industry groups aiming to shape policy fights in Washington.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Olivia Rodrigo originally planned to hit the stage at her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival in August in an iconic floor-length, flowing white gown.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

That’s apt because the technological stroke that’s allowed Jamestown to revive One Times Square’s interiors is the evolution of digital screens that can slink along curving walls and respond to touch.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026
The unintended effect of low-density construction, restrictive zoning, and curving roads is a staggering increase in the distance between destinations.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of curving

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

Verb

Expect to see plenty of holidaymakers and honeymooners hanging out by the pool or drifting in and out of the on-site spa.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The issue, of course, stems from the sound of rider screams from the coaster drifting into the residential area.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of drifting

Adjective

Expanding final assembly facilities must therefore be matched by reliable deliveries from suppliers and sufficient skilled labour across the wider production network.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
In our view, that would be strong evidence of a Tier-1 bottom and an important signal for the wider market.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

Shamet shot three-of-four from deep for 13 points in 16 minutes, and Clarkson scored seven points in nine minutes.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
With c, the followup to last year’s UNMUSIQUE, Lucy is now two full-length projects deep for deadAir, sporting a new distribution deal with Atlantic and trying to translate their dreamscapes for bigger crowds.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026