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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.

While the rescue attempt was taking place, the agency spread word the airman had already been found and was being extracted from Iran.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The message, which spread rapidly across social media, stood in contrast to the typically reflective tone associated with the holiday.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

The danger is not only that systems fail, but that failures spread quickly when they do.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Word of the big paydays spread inside and outside the bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Five minutes later I opened my eyes in the icy simulation room again, a wide grin spread across my face as I looked at my mom for confirmation of what I already knew.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.