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 president’s latest announcement on the sweeping oil deal with Venezuela comes at a critical time for the Republican Party. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 So far, only one conviction has come out of the sweeping fraud investigation of Loretto’s former executives. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Open-plan interiors with a European vibe boast a mix of hardwood and stone tile floors, high ceilings, and walls of glass framing sweeping ocean views from nearly every room. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 But once inside, its sweeping renovation (completed July 2025) becomes abundantly clear. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeping

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweeping

Adjective

Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The e-commerce giant is preparing to launch its Prime Air service in Tracy as part of a broader expansion effort that will bring delivery drones to 500 cities and towns by the end of the year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Verb

Previous research suggested Saturn's hexagon results from an eastward jet within its atmosphere flowing in a curving path near the ringed planet's north pole.

— Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Progress has been hampered by persistent rain and challenging terrain, as crews have to work in a narrow mountain gorge, hemmed in between unstable cliffs and a fast-flowing river.

— Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

Here, nothing comparable to a ball is physically curving through space.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Its flowing, inward-curving shape wraps around a 30-foot central tower, forming a space where people can come together to reflect, remember, and gather.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of curving

Adjective

Chinese state media, including the Communist Party's flagship newspaper, People's Daily, gave extensive coverage to Xi's encounters with other visiting leaders on Tuesday, but made no mention of the meeting with Pezeshkian.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Neal's research includes extensive work on female astronauts.

— Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of extensive

Verb

For some, drifting along on a tube is the ultimate way to soak up the scenery.

— Gabi De la Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026
Closer to home, Roman will monitor small variations in light from stars near the center of the Milky Way galaxy in order to infer the presence of rogue planets drifting between the stars.

— Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of drifting

Adjective

The Iran war exposed just how much the world relied on a narrow 20-mile-wide waterway.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Not only do the gods have multiple heads and arms, but the gods themselves are multiple, appearing in different forms with an array of different names, and with a wide variety of stories told about them.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

Core aerators remove plugs about 2 to 4 inches deep and around 1/2-inch wide, and spaced about 2 to 6 inches apart, dropping them on the lawn surface.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Lovano expressed deep gratitude to Collins for steering the festival for many years and keeping the atmosphere alive.

— Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026