Synonyms for

Spanning

Verb / ˈspænɪŋ / Another word for spanning — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

extending across or encompassing

Synonyms & similar words

cross sweep traverse span crossing overpassing bridging traversing connecting linking joining uniting binding encompassing covering embracing surrounding

Synonyms by register

Formal

encompassing covering including extending over

Informal

covering reaching going across

Literary

embracing overarching bestriding

Antonyms

ending stopping ceasing concluding terminating limiting confining

Common collocations

  • spanning the globe
  • spanning decades
  • spanning the years
  • spanning the distance
  • spanning the spectrum
  • spanning the gap
  • spanning the period

Word family

noun span
verb span
adjective spanning

Usage note

The word 'spanning' is the present participle of 'span' and is often used to describe something that extends over a period of time or a large area. It is generally neutral in register.

Example sentences

  1. The bridge is spanning the river.
  2. The rainbow was spanning across the sky.
  3. The airplane was spanning the distance between two cities.
  4. The spider web was spanning across the tree branches.
  5. The power lines were spanning the entire neighborhood.

Quotes

  • The human spirit is not dead. It lives on in secret... It has come to believe that compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind. - Albert Schweitzer
  • The breadth of the possible is greater than the human mind can comprehend. - Lao Tzu
  • The breadth of the music is as important to me as the depth. - Steven Tyler

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