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Definitions

spread

[spred] / sprɛd /
NOUN
expansion, development; extent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advance advancement dissemination escalation increase spreading transmission
STRONG
compass diffusion dispersion enlargement expanse extension period profusion proliferation radiation ramification range reach scope span stretch suffusion sweep term transfusion
Antonyms
STRONGEST
halt stop
STRONG
abridgment compression decrease extreme reduction
WEAK
stagnation suppression
NOUN
outlay of food, meal
Synonyms
STRONG
array banquet blowout dinner feast lunch repast
VERB
open or fan out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
circulate cover develop disperse escalate expand extend flow increase lay multiply proliferate reach set spray stretch
STRONG
arrange array bloat broaden cast coat daub diffuse dilate diverge enlarge flatten gloss lengthen lie mushroom open overlay paint pervade prepare radiate settle smear sprawl strew suffuse swell uncoil unfold unfurl unroll untwist unwind widen
WEAK
be displayed be distributed branch off even out outstretch roll out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abridge compress contract decrease diminish lessen shrink
STRONG
narrow reduce restrict shrivel straighten
WEAK
close
VERB
publicize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
circulate disseminate distribute propagate scatter transmit
STRONG
advertise blazon broadcast cast declare diffuse proclaim promulgate publish radiate shed sow strew
WEAK
make known make public
Antonyms
STRONG
conceal hide

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are also quite the showstopper in an elaborate brunch spread.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

It makes it difficult for small parties whose vote is evenly spread geographically to win seats.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

While the MV Hondius outbreak is serious, the rarity of the virus and the highly specific set of circumstances don’t currently indicate a broader threat likely to spread rapidly across multiple ships.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Those hidden social behaviors can make infestations hard to detect, but they may also help treatments spread once termites contact treated material.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

In addition to private séance work, Kate took a permanent position offered by a wealthy Spiritualist who wanted to spread his beliefs to the wider public.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Vocabulary lists containing spread

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