sweeping

5 definitions • 6 examples

affecting many things or people; large:

sweeping changes It is obvious that sweeping changes are needed in the legal system.

sweeping cuts We need to make sweeping cuts to our budget.

something that you say or write that is too general and that has not been carefully thought about:

Sweeping generalizations about this complex and difficult situation are not helpful.

A sweeping win or victory is an easy or complete win:

The candidate failed to win the sweeping victory he expected.

having great effect or range:

The proposal calls for sweeping changes in public land use.

making a big difference to a particular situation and affecting a lot of people:

sweeping changes/cuts/reforms The party has embarked on a series of sweeping reforms.