spread synonyms

spread

modif.

expanded, dispersed, extended, opened, unfurled, sown, scattered, diffused, strewn, spread thin, disseminated, overflowed, broadcast; see also distributed.

Antonyms restricted*, narrowed, restrained.

spread

n.

  1. Extent

    scope, range, expanse; see extent, measure 1.

  2. A spread cloth

    blanket, coverlet, counterpane; see bedspread, cover 1, tablecloth.

  3. A spread food

    preserve, conserve, jelly; see butter, cheese, preserves.

  4. *A meal

    feast, banquet, informal repast; see dinner, lunch, meal 2.

spread

v.

  1. To distribute

    cast, diffuse, disseminate; see radiate 1, scatter 2, sow.

  2. To become spread

    lie, flatten, level, flow, even out, be distributed, settle.

  3. To extend

    open, unfurl, roll out, unroll, unfold, reach, circulate, lengthen, widen, expand, untwist, unwind, uncoil, enlarge, increase, develop, radiate, branch off, diverge, expand; see also grow 1, reach 1.

    Antonyms close*, shorten*, shrink. *

  4. To apply over a surface

    cover, coat, smear, daub, overlay, overspread, plate, gloss, enamel, paint, spatter, spray, veneer, plaster, gild, pave, diffuse, wax, varnish.

  5. To separate

    part, sever, disperse; see divide 1, separate 2.

  6. To make known

    publish, broadcast, proclaim; see advertise 1, declare 1.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.