spread
Third Person
spreads
Present Participle
spreading
Past Tense
spread
Past Participle
spread
1
to extend or increase in influence or effect over a larger area or group of people
- The flu virus can easily spread in crowded places.
- Right now, concerns about the pandemic are spreading across the globe.
- The excitement of the victory spread to the fans.
- Fear of the outbreak spread throughout the city.
- The new trend spread rapidly among young people.
Synonyms:
2
to open something that is closed or folded
transitive
- She spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic.
- He spread the newspaper on the table to read.
- The teacher spread the map to illustrate geography.
- The butterfly spread its wings wide after emerging from the chrysalis.
- The yoga instructor instructed the class to spread their mats for the session.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
3
to extend something across a surface or throughout a space
transitive
- The gardener spread fertilizer across the entire lawn to promote healthy grass growth.
- The chef instructed the kitchen staff to spread herbs generously over the pizza before baking.
- The artist spread the paint across the canvas, creating bold strokes of color.
- He spread the fertilizer evenly across the lawn to promote healthy grass growth.
Synonyms:
4
to put a layer of a smooth or soft substance over a surface
transitive
- She spread butter on her toast before adding the jam.
- He spread cream cheese on the bagel for breakfast.
- The painter spread primer over the walls before applying the final coat of paint.
- She spread a thin layer of sunscreen over her face to protect her skin from the sun.
- He spread peanut butter on the crackers for a quick snack.
Synonyms:
5
to cause something to reach or affect a larger area or group of people
transitive
- The campaign spread its influence to neighboring cities.
- The charity spread its efforts to other regions in need of help.
- The virus was spread by infected travelers to other countries.
- His actions spread confusion during the meeting.
- The firefighters spread the water over the fire to control the flames.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
6
to make more people know or be aware of something by sharing or promoting it
transitive
- The organization spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation through educational campaigns.
- The activists spread information about human rights violations in the region.
- The teacher encouraged students to spread the word about the upcoming charity event to raise funds for a local cause.
- She was upset when someone spread a rumor about her promotion.
- The company's marketing strategy included leveraging influencers to spread awareness of its new product launch.
7
to extend or stretch something out
transitive
- The eagle spread its wings wide as it soared gracefully through the sky.
- The cat stretched and spread its body across the sunny spot on the windowsill.
- The yoga instructor instructed the class to spread their legs and reach towards their toes.
- The dancer spread her fingers elegantly as she gracefully moved across the stage.
Synonyms:
8
to cover or overlay a surface with a substance, material, or object
transitive
- The artist spread the sculpture with a layer of wax to give it a glossy finish.
- They spread the driveway with gravel to improve its appearance and durability.
- They spread the bricks with mortar before laying the next row in the wall.
- The mechanic spread the car windshield with a layer of de-icer before driving.
9
to become known by a larger group of people
- The rumor spread quickly throughout the office.
- The news about the new law spread rapidly across the country.
- The message of peace spread through the community.
- The influence of Christianity spread throughout Europe.
- The story of his bravery spread throughout the village.