Vocabulary in context
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Widespread
Widely distributed or occurring over a large area; common throughout a region or population.
adjective💡
Imagine This
Picture a map of a country where a single issue is shaded across almost every province, coast to coast, with the color getting darker as more areas are affected.
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Sounds Like
WAHYD-SPRED
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Looks Like
looks like two words 'wide' and 'spread' combined to suggest broad distribution
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Remember This
Widespread is used to describe something that is common across a large area or among many people. It is written as one word (not wide-spread).
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Other Forms
widespreadnessnoun
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Connect With
pervasive, prevalent, extensive, ubiquitous
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Note
Use widespread for distribution or occurrence over a large area or population. For focus on a small, localized area, use localized or limited instead.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- There is widespread support for the new policy among voters.
- The drought caused widespread crop losses across the region.
Synonyms
pervasiveprevalentextensiveubiquitousrife
Antonyms
localizedrestrictedscarce
Etymology
From wide + spread; 'wide' from Old English wid, and 'spread' from Old English spreadan, combined to describe something spread over a broad area.
Mnemonic
WIDE + SPREAD: Imagine paint that is spread across an entire wall, filling the whole surface—something that is widespread covers a broad area.
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Levity
nounHumor or frivolity, especially in situations where seriousness is appropriate; a lightness of mood.
Balm
nounA fragrant ointment or preparation used to soothe or heal; something that provides comfort or consolation.
Whimsicality
nounThe quality or state of being whimsically playful or fanciful; lighthearted imagination that is unpredictable and charmingly odd.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Prevalent
adjectiveWidely occurring or in general use; very common in a particular place or time.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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