the stretch
noun
: the final straight part of a racecourse before the finish line
the horses are in the (final) stretch
—often used figurativelyShe's in the final stretch. The baby's due next month.
They will wind up the season with a winning record having won some crucial games down the stretch.
Examples of the stretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Mahomes left in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, so his status is going to be a concern down the stretch.
—
Austin Mock, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
So who’s already punched their ticket to the postseason, who faces an anxious wait down the stretch and who already has their eyes on next year?
—Sam Joseph, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
But, after losing Cam Thomas three to four weeks and losing four of their last five games, the writing was on the wall that the Nets may not be playing meaningful basketball down the stretch.
—Tyler Small, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Gently pull upwards on your foot, feeling the stretch in your quad.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the stretch 
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Austin Mock, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
So who’s already punched their ticket to the postseason, who faces an anxious wait down the stretch and who already has their eyes on next year?
—Sam Joseph, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
But, after losing Cam Thomas three to four weeks and losing four of their last five games, the writing was on the wall that the Nets may not be playing meaningful basketball down the stretch.
—Tyler Small, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Gently pull upwards on your foot, feeling the stretch in your quad.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the stretch
Dictionary Entries Near the stretch
Cite this Entry
“The stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20stretch. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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