widely

adverb

wide·​ly ˈwīd-lē How to pronounce widely (audio)
Synonyms of widelynext
1
: over or through a wide area
has traveled widely
2
: to a great extent
departed widely from the previous edition
3
: by or among a large well-dispersed group of people
a widely known political figure
4
: over a broad range
… persons with widely fluctuating incomes.—Current Biography

Examples of widely in a Sentence

Their products are widely available. a widely known political figure The books are widely read by adults as well as children.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The protein building blocks can have anti-inflammatory and muscle-building properties – though studies and safety analyses of their benefits and efficacy as supplements or injections vary widely. — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Democrats find themselves in a similar situation this year, as a young up-and-comer faces off against a GOP opponent widely seen as vulnerable. — Eleanor Dearman updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Clad in road grays, Skubal showed why he was widely considered the best player available at the trade deadline, holding the Tigers to one run and four hits over six innings. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 This policy lag has been widely endorsed by Fed officials in recent years. — George Calhoun, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for widely

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of widely was in 1579

Phrases Containing widely

Rhymes for widely

See All Rhymes for widely

Browse Nearby Words

wide gage
widely
widely believed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Widely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/widely. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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