Flight Crew Last 90 Days 174; Flight Crew Type 11000
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While at level cruise at FL340 in a mostly smooth ride; we experienced sudden moderate turbulence with an abrupt right roll to 45 degrees of bank. The autopilot disengaged; and we made manual control inputs to return to level flight. The turbulence lasted for about five seconds. No Passengers or Crew were injured. We reported the event to ATC; but I do not recall if we were talking to Boston or New York ARTCC. The Controller said a [Widebody Transport] had crossed our path about 20 miles in front of us.  He did not mention it because he thought the heavy traffic was far enough away to not be a factor. We were in and out of IMC; so we never saw the [Widebody Transport]. We did have a 60-knot headwind.My recollection of our position [during] the event is vague; but it was near the coast in the Atlantic City to Baltimore area.
Air carrier Captain reported encountering wake turbulence at FL340 when a Widebody Transport aircraft crossed their path 20 miles ahead of them that resulted in an uncommanded 45 degree bank.