sweeping

[swee-ping]

adjective

1. of wide range or scope.

   Synonyms: comprehensive, broad, extensive

2. moving or passing about over a wide area.

   a sweeping glance.

3. moving, driving, or passing steadily and forcibly on.

4. (of the outcome of a contest) decisive; overwhelming; complete.

   a sweeping victory.

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that sweeps. sweeps. sweep.

2. sweepings, matter swept swept sweep out or up, as dust, refuse, etc.

sweeping

/ ˈswiːpɪŋ /

adjective

1. comprehensive and wide-ranging

   sweeping reforms

2. indiscriminate or without reservations

   sweeping statements

3. decisive or overwhelming

   a sweeping victory

4. taking in a wide area

   a sweeping glance

5. driving steadily onwards, esp over a large area

   a sweeping attack

Other Word Forms

• sweepingly adverb
• sweepingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweeping¹

First recorded in 1470–80; sweep ¹ + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The data comes after China imposed sweeping controls on its exports of rare earths - minerals essential for the global production of electronics, a move that rocked its fragile trade truce with the US.

Read more on BBC

Black actors, musicians and athletes sought to reach and engage with white Americans and policymakers alike who were uninformed about, or indifferent to, the sweeping impacts of segregation and state violence against Black people.

Read more on Salon

The pair — both in the software industry — were with friends Thursday in Dolores Park, a vibrant green space with sweeping views of downtown, playing volleyball under a blue sky and shining autumn sun.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That same year, Puech signed a sweeping agreement authorizing Freymond not merely to manage but also to dispose of his assets, according to French investigators.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It also opens up to one of the many outdoor seating areas, offering sweeping views of the water and the Sunshine State’s sunsets.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• across-the-board 
• all-encompassing 
• broad 
• comprehensive 
• exhaustive 
• extensive 
• radical 
• thorough 
• wholesale