Synonyms for

Sweeping

Verb / ˈswi:pɪŋ / Another word for sweeping — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

cleaning or moving something with a broom or a brush in a wide motion

Synonyms & similar words

brush traverse swingout wholesale sweep sweepup cross sail broom swing embroil span tangle dragin drag broad comprehensive extensive far-reaching general global inclusive overall sweeping wide-ranging widespread wholesale thorough wide sweeping complete radical thoroughgoing pervasive ubiquitous

Synonyms by register

Formal

extensive comprehensive broad far-reaching

Informal

huge massive big major

Literary

all-encompassing boundless vast

Antonyms

limited narrow specific restricted particular focused

Common collocations

  • sweeping statement
  • sweeping generalization
  • sweeping changes
  • sweeping victory
  • sweeping reform
  • sweeping review
  • sweeping indictment

Word family

noun sweep
verb sweep
adjective sweeping
adverb sweepingly

Usage note

Often used to describe changes, statements, or generalizations that are very broad and may lack specific detail. Can sometimes imply a lack of nuance or fairness.

Example sentences

  1. She did a sweeping motion with her hand to show the size of the fish she caught.
  2. The janitor was sweeping the floor with a broom.
  3. The sweeping changes to the laws caused a lot of debate.
  4. The sweeping vistas of the Grand Canyon were awe-inspiring.
  5. The sweeping curtains added a touch of elegance to the room.

Quotes

  • The sweeping changes in our economy have allowed for more opportunities for everyone. - Nancy Pelosi
  • There is nothing so stable as change, and nothing so subject to change as sweeping generalizations. - Unknown
  • The sweeping of the streets is as important as the formulation of laws. - William Henry Harrison

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