widespread

[wahyd-spred]

adjective

1. spread over or open, or occupying a wide space.

2. distributed over a wide region, or occurring in many places or among many persons or individuals.

   widespread poverty.

   Synonyms: far-flung, pervasive, extensive, far-reaching

widespread

/ ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd /

adjective

1. extending over a wide area

2. accepted by or occurring among many people

Word History and Origins

Origin of widespread¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; wide + spread

Example Sentences

"There is undoubtedly widespread fear among many Gazans of potential internal fighting, given the many conditions that could fuel it," he said.

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Back in 2019, the widespread conjecture was the no-hope Dolphins were going to intentionally lose their games to get the No. 1 pick.

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He defied widespread calls to step down and has been criticised for only showing up for one rally, spending most of the campaign period on a 10-day private trip to Europe.

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Sky-high drug prices are a perennial source of widespread ire in the United States, and have sparked numerous legislative and administrative actions the impact of which can be difficult to determine.

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The widespread protests that took place after the last election have subsided in frequency, due to fears of repercussions for demonstrators.

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