1
a
: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area
b
: having a curving line or form
2
a
: extensive
sweeping reforms
b
: marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion
sweeping generalities
sweepingly
adverb
sweepingness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of sweeping in a Sentence
Noun
The porch needs a good sweeping.
Adjective
a sweeping view of the valley
He dismissed the idea with a sweeping motion of his arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming are essential household chores that keep my home tidy.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
There was little love lost between them – over the state of negotiations with Hamas, Israel’s military strategy and Netanyahu’s bid to bring in a sweeping overhaul of the judiciary in 2023.
—Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sweeping 
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Noun
Meanwhile, another front sweeping over the the Pacific Northwest and California is leading to snowfall over the Southern Cascades.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming are essential household chores that keep my home tidy.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
This time, President-elect Donald Trump knows a lot more about how to manipulate the levers of power and plans to surround himself with loyalists willing to do his bidding in making sweeping changes to both policies and processes.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
There was little love lost between them – over the state of negotiations with Hamas, Israel’s military strategy and Netanyahu’s bid to bring in a sweeping overhaul of the judiciary in 2023.
—Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sweeping
Dictionary Entries Near sweeping
Cite this Entry
“Sweeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeping. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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