WIDELY Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

widely

adverb

Definition of widely

as in universally

across a large area, group, or range Originally invented in the United States, baseball is now a widely played sport around the world.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 widely The government is widely regarded as the most extreme Israel has ever had. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026 Moscow has been widely accused by Western officials of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption, including with the use of drones, with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 The comment was widely viewed as a reference to Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 For 2026, the company’s creative director, Marco Tomasetta, pays homage to notable cultural sites in Kyoto, widely regarded as the historical heart of traditional Japanese arts and design. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for widely

Adverb

The honest read of the current evidence is less about one universally best hour than about matching the window to the outcome, whether that’s adherence, heart health, muscle or sleep.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
Generally, experts are wary of universally screening men for low testosterone because testosterone measurements can be highly variable—and unhelpful.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of universally

Adverb

Galderma said the transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive to its core EBITDA margin in 2027 and to achieve a margin broadly in line with its average from 2028 onward.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
More broadly, the season moved away from formulaic dressing toward a more individual, instinctive approach to style, where contrasting references and personal expression take precedence over a single aesthetic.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of broadly

Adverb

Beyond the show, Piane collaborated extensively with RuPaul, co-writing and producing songs that became staples of the drag icon’s musical catalog.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
This type of structured risk assessment is already extensively used in industry through HAZOP reviews, where potential deviations, causes, consequences and safeguards are systematically examined before a process is put into operation.

— Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensively

Browse Nearby Words

wide-eyed

widely

widemouthed

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Style

“Widely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/widely. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of widely

adverb

Example Sentences

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