sweeping
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for sweeping, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Wide-ranging and affecting many things at once.
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.
far-reaching
wide-ranging
Antonyms
How to use sweeping
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sweeping changes
sweeping reforms
sweeping view
Etymology
Formed from "sweep" plus the "-ing" ending.
Full origin of sweeping →Frequently asked questions
What does “sweeping” mean?
The word “sweeping” means wide-ranging and affecting many things at once. In plain terms, describes something broad and far-reaching, like major changes, or a wide curving motion.
How do you pronounce “sweeping”?
“Sweeping” is pronounced SWEE-pihng (/ˈswiːpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sweeping” in a sentence?
Here is “sweeping” used in a sentence: “The government announced sweeping reforms to the tax system.”
What part of speech is “sweeping”?
Depending on how it is used, “sweeping” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “sweeping” a common word?
“Sweeping” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sweeping” have?
“Sweeping” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wide-ranging and affecting many things at once.
What does it mean to describe changes as sweeping?
Describing changes as 'sweeping' means they are wide-ranging, affecting many things or areas at once rather than being limited or minor. The word emphasises the scale and reach of the change.
What is the difference between sweeping and gradual when describing change?
Sweeping change is broad and affects many things at once, often implying a decisive, comprehensive shift, while gradual change happens slowly and incrementally over time. The two describe different paces and scopes of change rather than opposite outcomes.
Can sweeping be used to describe something other than change?
Yes, 'sweeping' can also describe something that extends in a broad, continuous curve or motion, such as a sweeping staircase or a sweeping gesture. It additionally functions as a noun referring to the act of cleaning with a broom.
