adjective
widespread
Existing over a large area or among many people.
The storm causes widespread flooding across the state's coastal towns.
Etymology
The compound combines broad extent with spreading. It describes something distributed across a large area or many instances.
More examples
- The proposal has widespread support among local residents.
- Power outages are widespread after the ice storm.
- Widespread use of smartphones changes how people shop.
Forms
widespread
Similar words
- prevalent
- Emphasizes being common within a particular place or group.
- pervasive
- Suggests reaching nearly every part, not just many places.