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

That’s part of it, but I also think the problem is widespread political illiteracy.

From Salon

The encampment came under a violent attack by counterprotesters in early May, fomenting widespread outrage and attention.

From Los Angeles Times

According to CNN, US District Judge Rudolph Contreras claimed in a hearing that the possibility of widespread pardons for accused and convicted U.S.

From Salon

But however menacing, these were still just protests, and if Taylor was right about an approaching era of violence — something more widespread and systemic than the lone-wolf terrorism of a wayward man like Crusius — it was still unclear what the actual danger looked like.

From Salon

“Forced displacement has been widespread, and the evidence shows it has been systematic and part of a state policy. Such acts also constitute crimes against humanity,” HRW says.

From BBC