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deep

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noun

1
as in midst
the most intense or characteristic phase of something the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in sea
the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three-fourths of the earth sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deep different from other adjectives like it?

The words broad and wide are common synonyms of deep. While all three words mean "having horizontal extent," deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

a deep cupboard
deep woods

Where would broad be a reasonable alternative to deep?

The meanings of broad and deep largely overlap; however, broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

broad shoulders

When is it sensible to use wide instead of deep?

In some situations, the words wide and deep are roughly equivalent. However, wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned, or when applied to unfilled space between limits.

rugs eight feet wide
a wide doorway

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deep
Adjective
This method helps individuals decode thoughts and feelings to uncover their deeper significance, providing tools for sustainable emotional well-being. Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025 Perhaps the Epidemic Intelligence Service’s most significant legacy has been in building a worldwide network of deep epidemiological expertise. Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
Set an end of the potato about one-third deep in the water and place the container in a high light or sunny location. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 This art form is performed by skilled artisans, maneuvering puppets while waist-deep in water, and was a cornerstone of royal entertainment going back hundreds of years. Richard Quest, CNN, 6 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for deep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deep
Adjective
  • Erasing traditional industry hierarchies represents the most profound difference between the British and Swiss approach.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But there’s also a remarkable elasticity to Bennett’s prose: the narrator’s thoughts stretch from the very inconsequential to the most profound.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The survey's measure of consumer sentiment dropped to a level lower than at any point during the Great Recession.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Trust Is Built In Small Moments Like This For a co-op like Cabot Creamery, maintaining consumer trust means being transparent—even when the stakes are low.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Nathan Carman died by suicide in his jail cell in 2023 as the prime suspect in his mother’s mysterious 2016 drowning death at sea — and in the 2013 shooting death of his wealthy grandfather.
    KC Baker, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Seemingly mundane and esoteric to the outsider, chart reviews are a foundational task that underpins a wide range of clinical and administrative workflows within health systems (and for other ecosystem partners).
    Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Others point to more esoteric answers to the practical problem.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the scene itself could be read as a little ambiguous, too: is Sammie trying to pierce the veil again, playing a song that could both foster community but also bring back the vampires?
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As the days turned into weeks, the reality of her situation remained ambiguous.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The missions became more intense as Japan's outlook grew more dire and the military showcased the sacrifice of the pilots to drum up patriotism and support for the war.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Weaving together intense journeys with jaw-dropping medical rescues 20,000 feet in the air in the most remote conditions, the new season throws the diverse group of medical responders into all-new challenges on the job and in their personal lives.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This capability directly addresses use cases involving the analysis of extensive codebases, the summarization of lengthy documents, or maintaining context in prolonged complex interactions necessary for sophisticated AI agents.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Not every outfit in his extensive repertoire may be a hit with his fans.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When Joao Pedro put Brighton 1-0 up from the penalty spot just after the half-hour, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men had conceded 22 goals without reply and the away supporters were sensing familiar dark emotions.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Throw in a tight scoreline, some inconsistent officiating at times and a chock-full away fan section that stood up singing the entire night, and things were bound to get chippy.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deep. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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