Definition

Adverb: In a sweeping manner; broadly, comprehensively, or in a way that makes general statements covering many things or people at once, often without attention to specific details or exceptions.

Usage

The adverb "sweepingly" is used to describe how an action, especially a statement, judgment, or criticism, is performed. It indicates that the action is done in a broad, all-encompassing way. It often carries a connotation of being overly general, indiscriminate, or lacking nuance.

Examples

• The politician sweepingly dismissed all opposing arguments as foolish.
• The critic sweepingly declared the entire decade's music to be without artistic merit.
• She argued her point sweepingly, covering centuries of history in a few sentences.
• It is dangerous to sweepingly characterize an entire nation based on the actions of a few.

Advanced Usage

• Used with verbs of declaration or judgment: "sweepingly" most naturally modifies verbs like , , , , , , and .
  • The new theory was sweepingly rejected by the old guard.
• Often implies criticism: Using "sweepingly" can suggest the speaker views the broad statement as unfair, inaccurate, or simplistic.
  • His sweepingly positive review failed to mention any of the film's flaws.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweeping (adjective): Extensive in scope or range; making broad generalizations.
  • The report made sweeping changes to the policy.
  • He avoided sweeping statements about the complex issue.
• Sweep (verb/noun): The root word, meaning to clean or clear with a broom, or to move swiftly and smoothly.

Synonyms

• Broadly
• Generally
• Comprehensively
• Indiscriminately
• Blanketly
• Wholesale

Antonyms

• Specifically
• Particularly
• Individually
• Narrowly
• Precisely

Adverb

1. in a sweeping manner
   • he sweepingly condemned the entire population of the country for the war crimes