Definition of widely

Short definition: The word widely means in many places, by many people, or to a large extent, showing that something is common, well-known, or broadly accepted. The word widely means in a way that reaches many people, places, or situations. The word widely is often used to describe ideas, products, or information that are well known, commonly accepted, or spread across a large area.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word widely? The word widely is often used when we talk about how far something spreads— not just in distance, but also in popularity, influence, or acceptance. It can describe ideas that many people know, products that many people use, or opinions that are shared across different places and cultures. In everyday life, widely helps us explain how something moves beyond a small circle and becomes part of a bigger picture. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with examples that sound like real conversations instead of formal dictionary lines.

Form: widely (adverb)
Related: wide adj., widen v., widespread adj.
Syllable: wide-ly

1. In many places or across a large area.

   In this sense, widely is used to show that something is not limited to just one place or a small group of people. It travels far, appears in many locations, or reaches people in different regions, making it feel bigger than just a local or personal matter.

   The festival is widely celebrated across the country, bringing people together in towns and cities that are far apart.
   This book is widely available in libraries, so students from many schools can easily find and read it.
   The news spread widely after the announcement, and soon everyone seemed to be talking about it.

   Synonyms: broadly, far and wide, across many places, extensively, over a large area, in many regions, all around, throughout, everywhere, widely spread, over a broad area, in many locations
   Antonyms: narrowly, locally, in one place, in a small area, limited to one region, closely confined, in a tiny space, restricted, near only, in one spot, narrowly spread, in a short range

2. By many people; by a large number of individuals.

   Widely is often used when something is known, accepted, or talked about by a lot of people. It suggests that an idea or product has gone beyond a small group and become familiar to a much larger audience.

   The movie was widely praised by critics, and many viewers said it was one of the best films of the year.
   Her advice is widely respected, especially among younger colleagues who trust her experience.
   This song is widely loved, and you can hear it playing in cafés, cars, and even small shops.

   Synonyms: commonly, popularly, by many people, broadly accepted, generally known, widely known, largely supported, well recognized, commonly shared, publicly accepted, broadly liked, widely admired
   Antonyms: rarely, by few people, little known, unpopular, hardly accepted, scarcely noticed, ignored by many, not well known, rarely discussed, little recognized, privately held, narrowly supported

3. In a way that shows big differences or a wide range.

   Sometimes widely is used to describe variety. It shows that things are not all the same, but instead differ a lot from one another—whether in opinions, lifestyles, experiences, or results.

   Opinions about the new policy vary widely, with some people strongly supporting it and others completely against it.
   Prices for the same product can differ widely, depending on where you buy it and when.
   The students’ backgrounds are widely different, making the classroom a place full of unique stories and perspectives.

   Synonyms: greatly, very differently, in many ways, with large differences, broadly varied, across a wide range, in diverse ways, with big gaps, in many forms, in varied ways, differently from each other, with strong contrasts
   Antonyms: narrowly, similarly, almost the same, with little difference, closely alike, nearly identical, in a limited range, barely different, uniform, consistent, alike in most ways, hardly varied

4. In a way that reaches beyond a small group or special field.

   In professional or social contexts, widely can describe ideas, practices, or tools that move outside expert circles and become part of everyday life. It shows that something is no longer just for specialists, but for everyone.

   The app is widely used not only by professionals, but also by students and families in daily life.
   His teaching methods are widely adopted in schools, because they make learning feel more natural and enjoyable.
   The idea was once discussed only in universities, but now it is widely talked about in public conversations.

   Synonyms: broadly used, commonly applied, widely adopted, in general use, accepted by many fields, publicly applied, mainstreamed, popularized, brought to the public, widely practiced, commonly followed, broadly implemented
   Antonyms: narrowly used, limited to experts, specialized only, restricted to a few, rarely applied, kept in small circles, confined to professionals, little known outside, hidden from the public, niche only, privately used, scarcely applied

5. Used to emphasize that something feels strongly or clearly true.

   Sometimes widely adds emotional or social weight to a statement. It helps show that an opinion or belief is not just personal, but shared by many people, giving it a sense of importance or authority.

   It is widely believed that kindness can change lives, even in small and simple ways.
   The teacher is widely known as one of the most caring people in the school, and students often talk about how much she has helped them.
   The event was widely considered a success, not just because of the numbers, but because of how happy everyone felt.

   Synonyms: commonly believed, generally accepted, broadly recognized, widely thought, commonly agreed, publicly accepted, shared by many, largely accepted, widely acknowledged, generally agreed, commonly felt, broadly understood
   Antonyms: rarely believed, hardly accepted, questioned by many, controversial, widely doubted, commonly rejected, disputed, not generally accepted, challenged often, unpopular belief, rarely agreed on, strongly debated