spreading
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for spreading, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of something becoming more widely distributed or known.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
By surface analysis, spread + -ing.
Full origin of spreading →Frequently asked questions
What does “spreading” mean?
The word “spreading” means the act of something becoming more widely distributed or known. In plain terms, the process of something extending, scattering, or becoming known more widely.
How do you pronounce “spreading”?
“Spreading” is pronounced SPREH-dihng (/ˈspɹɛdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spreading” in a sentence?
Here is “spreading” used in a sentence: “The spreading of the disease alarmed local authorities.”
What part of speech is “spreading”?
“Spreading” is a noun.
Is “spreading” a common word?
“Spreading” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "spreading" and "spread"?
"Spreading" is the ongoing act of something becoming more widely distributed or known, emphasising the process in motion. "Spread" can name the finished extent or act, so "the spreading of the news" stresses it happening while "the spread of the news" can point to the result.
What words commonly go with "spreading"?
"Spreading" often pairs with words like rumour, disease, fire, and awareness, as in "the spreading of misinformation." It describes something moving outward to reach more places or people.
Is "spreading" always about physical movement?
No, "spreading" covers both physical and abstract distribution. It can describe fire moving across land or ideas, news, and influence becoming more widely known.