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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.

Early “Twin Peaks” message boards overflowed with theories from fans about the show’s cast of weirdos and its fathoms-deep lore—a form of viewer speculation that would later spread even more widely on social-media platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

This "selfless" sharing, known as horizontal gene transfer, can rapidly spread useful traits including genes that confer resistance to antibiotic drugs used to treat infections.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

"Their energy and creativity are invaluable. Investing in their education, training, and entrepreneurship is essential for peace and for preventing the loss of talent and the spread of social ills," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Close out this spread now and take the profit.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Leaning over the edge of my bed, I scoop them up and spread them out on my comforter in front of me.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Vocabulary lists containing spread

NAEP Test Words

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Journalism

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"When Cultures Meet"

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