1
2
as in to apply
to put a layer of on a surface we spread the fertilizer over the lawn evenly until it was fully covered

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3
as in to circulate
to become known once news of the war's end had spread, spontaneous celebrations broke out everywhere

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4
5
as in to divide
to go or move in different directions from a central point the walls of the old barn spread under the weight of the snow on the roof

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6

spread

2 of 2

noun

1
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed bought a brightly colored spread for summer

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2
3
4
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes the spread of grades was from 15 to 79 on that quiz

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5

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 spread
Verb
This means that the traditional wipe-off or spin-and-clean style devices mostly just spread the dirt around in the grooves. Parker Hall, WIRED, 8 Mar. 2025 For the Heels, their offense was spread evenly between four of their five starters with Alyssa Ustby (15 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists), Reniya Kelly (11 points), Lexi Donarski (12 points), and Indya Nivar (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists). Allison Smith, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
Medicated Shampoos Scalp ringworm typically requires oral antifungal medication, but shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide help reduce fungal spores and prevent spread. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025 Since the start of 2025, over 27 million egg-laying hens — 9 percent of the entire national flock — have died from the bird flu or have been (horrifically) killed to slow the spread. Kenny Torrella, Vox, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread
Verb
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Todd Gordon, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In 1746, authorities investigated Grierson for disseminating Jacobite pamphlets.
    Alexandra Cox, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • However, the switch won’t apply to all Android users, at least in the short term.
    Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • An off-duty Kansas City police officer restrained and brought down a man in a Kansas City grocery store with a move similar to a chokehold Wednesday, in an incident filmed and widely circulated online.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Photos and videos have been circulating showing passengers standing on the wing of the plane.
    Cate Martel, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Betsy died from hantavirus, a flu-like virus transmitted to humans via rodent urine, saliva and droppings.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • However, no account data is transmitted from the U.S. to Switzerland.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The garden is divided into several enticing categories, from geographical designations to thematic gardens.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
  • One Mom Has Had Enough When one Texas mom took to TikTok to share her daughter's heartbreak over being bullied for having a knockoff Stanley cup, the response was divided.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Weather experts predict that the tornadoes will increase to a strength of EF4 by Saturday, with hurricane-force winds at a speed of more than 74 mph, CNN reported.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • United, a club who had the gas cut off at Bank Street, so impoverished were they, now had a stadium to fit the increasing industry and prosperity of the area.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Featuring knit and crochet items, baby quilts, floral arrangements, jewelry and wooden crafts.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Small businesses have a huge opportunity to seize this moment and lean hard into their values and commitments to creating more space for different voices, thoughts, and ideas —creating a stronger, richer quilt that’s more multifaceted, said James.
    Allyson Kapin, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Here is a bit of the fun things said about Kelce and Swift being spotted together for the first time since their dinner with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025
  • My breakfast, during this time, consisted of porridge only (for the oats) and dinner was some combo of fish, carbs, and greens.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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