spread 1 of 2

Definition of spreadnext
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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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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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as in to part
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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spread

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noun

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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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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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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
Your door track is where dirt enters the porch — and then spreads to the rest of the floor with every step. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 Your president and his minions spread war, chaos, lies and economic instability. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Warming waters, geographic spread, and increases in antibiotic resistance are increasing risks. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026 The Saturday spread is great too, served a la carte. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 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, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Carter Braxton Worth, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Nolte’s death certificate lists the underlying causes of death as encephalopathy, sepsis and disseminated Mycobacterium chimaera infection.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Conventional solutions often involve applying external pressure in the tens of megapascals or utilizing complex coating processes that increase manufacturing costs and reduce packaging efficiency.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
  • His church also applied financial pressure before the United Methodist Church conference struck down longstanding anti-LGBTQ policies.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The actress, who played Charlotte York on the series, acknowledged that the conversation has gained traction in recent years, particularly as clips of the show circulate widely on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Rumors of Lopez’s potential appointment made the rounds Wednesday when a screenshot of a fake Miami Herald article announcing him as the next Miami police chief was circulated among the local law enforcement community.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Starting in May, drone pilots in China must also begin registering with their real names and link their drones to official identification or a cellphone number, with flight data being transmitted to the government.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • While the ban on transmitting trail cams on public land was also divisive among Idaho hunters, there’s a reason it was included.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If Yahweh, who delivered Israel from bondage and parted the Red Sea, intervenes too soon, some of us will be denied that choice (parable of the wheat and the tares).
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Citing limited progress, the Joint Development Authority composed of the city and county parted ways with master developer Alatus last June, inspiring Alatus to file legal action against the partnership last July.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Water testing has been temporarily increased to once a month at the Oceanside Harbor after someone reported seeing a suspicious liquid dumped from a boat.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This sprawling, unchecked population growth just increases water demand.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the living room, a Navajo blanket from Shiprock in Santa Fe hangs above the sofa, and in the bedroom, an antique patchwork chintz quilt covers the bed.
    Anne Hardy, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Plus, the diamond quilt pattern and piped edging give it a classic, elevated look.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Allen attempted to storm the dinner on foot, carrying multiple guns and knives, and planned to kill top officials, starting with the highest-ranking, according to the criminal complaint.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In what must have made for a very interesting dinner conversation, Mane scored two goals in the Panthers’ 4-0 victory over the Indians in the March 23 conference opener.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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