spread

(noun) process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space. Synonyms: spreading.

(noun) a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures. Synonyms: gap. Examples: "Gap between income and outgo." "The spread between lending and borrowing costs."

(noun) farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle). Synonyms: ranch, cattle ranch, cattle farm.

(noun) a haphazard distribution in all directions. Synonyms: scatter.

(noun) a tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers or used in preparing other dishes. Synonyms: paste.

(noun) a meal that is well prepared and greatly enjoyed. Synonyms: banquet, feast. Examples: "A banquet for the graduating seniors." "The thanksgiving feast." "They put out quite a spread."

(noun) two facing pages of a book or other publication. Synonyms: spread head, spreadhead, facing pages.

(noun) the expansion of a person's girth (especially at middle age). Examples: "She exercised to avoid that middle-aged spread."

(noun) decorative cover for a bed. Synonyms: bedspread, bedcover, bed cover, bed covering, counterpane.

(noun) act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time. Synonyms: spreading.

(verb) distribute or disperse widely. Synonyms: distribute. Examples: "The invaders spread their language all over the country."

(verb) become distributed or widespread. Synonyms: propagate. Examples: "The infection spread." "Optimism spread among the population."

(verb) spread across or over. Synonyms: overspread. Examples: "A big oil spot spread across the water."

(verb) spread out or open from a closed or folded state. Synonyms: unfold, spread out, open. Examples: "Open the map." "Spread your arms."

(verb) cause to become widely known. Synonyms: circulate, circularize, circularise, distribute, disseminate, propagate, broadcast, diffuse, disperse, pass around. Examples: "Spread information." "Circulate a rumor." "Broadcast the news."

(verb) become widely known and passed on. Synonyms: go around, circulate. Examples: "The rumor spread." "The story went around in the office."

(verb) strew or distribute over an area. Synonyms: scatter, spread out. Examples: "He spread fertilizer over the lawn." "Scatter cards across the table."

(verb) move outward. Synonyms: diffuse, spread out, fan out. Examples: "The soldiers fanned out."

(verb) cover by spreading something over. Examples: "Spread the bread with cheese."

(verb) distribute over a surface in a layer. Examples: "Spread cheese on a piece of bread."

(adj) distributed or spread over a considerable extent. Synonyms: dispersed. Examples: "Has ties with many widely dispersed friends." "Eleven million jews are spread throughout europe."

(adj) prepared or arranged for a meal; especially having food set out. Examples: "A table spread with food."

(adj) fully extended in width. Synonyms: outspread. Examples: "Outspread wings." "With arms spread wide."