widespread

[ wahyd-spred ]

adjective

1. spread over or open, or occupying a wide space.
2. distributed over a wide region, or occurring in many places or among many persons or individuals:

   widespread poverty.

   Synonyms: pervasive, far-flung, extensive, far-reaching

widespread

/ ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd /

adjective

1. extending over a wide area
2. accepted by or occurring among many people

Word History and Origins

Origin of widespread¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; wide + spread

Example Sentences

The interview received widespread backlash from religious conservatives.

From Los Angeles Times

"We welcome any research into dystonia, but it is crucial that new treatments undergo thorough scrutiny before being considered for widespread use."

From BBC

But under his watch, Ghanaians also experienced an ailing economy and widespread power cuts.

From BBC

Dunn emphasized that monitoring brine disposal will be essential as desalination becomes more widespread.

From Science Daily

The damage in the Philippines is so serious and so widespread that it will take time to recover.

From NewsForKids.net