(of light, liquid, color, etc.) To diffuse via a source
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Formally sends out or puts into circulation
“He would use every opportunity at his disposal to spread his message of peace and love.”
(of a material) To stretch or open out
“The caretakers would painstakingly spread the mural across the gallery's wall.”
To gradually reach, or cause to reach, a wider area or more people
“From here the virus would spread to neighboring regions via the very roads and railways these construction workers were building.”
To apply as a coating
“I like to spread a good amount of butter on my raisin toast each morning.”
To develop, increase or grow rapidly
“The retail service area would spread up and down the West Coast from San Francisco to Seattle and inland as far as Bend.”
To diverge into two or more separate paths
“I have heard the legend of a man who would spread the Red Sea in two.”
To be displayed to its fullest extent
“From the summit, we could see the spectacular valley that spread out below us.”
To distribute or be distributed loosely or evenly
“Piles of junk were spread all over the hoarder's apartment.”
(of light, liquid, color, etc.) To diffuse via a source
“The sun would spread light and warmth throughout the little town as it arose.”
To persist over a period of time
“The course would spread over a five-week period.”
Plural for the process of becoming greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
“Removal of a tree killed by pine wilt is essential to limit the spread of this disease.”
Plural for a large and impressively elaborate meal
“There was a nice spread at the party with everything from little nibbles to large sandwiches and pizzas.”
Plural for the range or variety of something
“The merchant had an impressive spread of trinkets for sale.”
Plural for the extent, width, or area covered by something
“The spread of income in the population ranged from virtually nothing to billions.”
Plural for an expanse or amount of something
“The park has a large spread of green where we can indulge in some fun and games.”
Plural for a bedspread
“The sheets were rather soiled, but she covered the stains with a patchwork spread.”
Plural for two facing pages in a book, newspaper or magazine
“The magazine had a double-page spread on what Kim Kardashian had for a pre-dinner snack.”
Plural for a large tract of land used to raise livestock
“Can't wait till I get my own spread and won't have to put up with Joe Aguirre's nonsense no more.”
Related Words and Phrases
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