widespread

American  

[wahyd-spred] / ˈwaɪdˈsprɛd /

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

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widespread British  

/ ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd /

adjective

1. extending over a wide area

2. accepted by or occurring among many people

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Etymology

Origin of widespread

First recorded in 1695–1705; wide + spread

Example Sentences

The account has gotten widespread attention, in part for mixing its attacks with a soupçon of self-deprecation.

From The Wall Street Journal

In January, fresh tensions between the US and Iran emerged after Tehran engaged in a bloody crackdown on widespread protests that have posed one of the greatest challenges to the Islamic republic since its inception.

From Barron's

A viral blog post by Citrini Research outlined a future where AI leads to widespread unemployment, a stock market crash, and social unrest.

From Barron's

Despite their widespread presence, scientists still do not fully understand how these particles may affect human health.

From Science Daily

These can include major storms, geopolitical upheaval or a widespread virus.

From The Wall Street Journal