Definition of outstretchnext
1
as in to extend
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area the dog had outstretched his legs and was lying across the width of the doorway

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2
as in to lengthen
to make longer having outstretched our lunch break beyond all reason, we reluctantly headed back to work

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outstretch The component sounds of Spanish words, cut down to two vowels and four consonants, are conveyed by whistling, the trick being to curl your fingers against your mouth with one finger outstretched, as if your hand were a gun. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2020 And that’s Bell jogging in to score the winning run with both arms outstretched over his head to give the Diamondbacks their only world championship. Paul Gattis | Pgattis@al.com, al, 10 Jan. 2020 As Congress applauded the line, Pelosi stood, outstretched her arms, and clapped slowly and deliberately, as if the clap was more in jest than sincerity. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2019 While kicking around a soccer ball, the little princess took a few breaks to balance on one leg with her arms outstretched above her head. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, 26 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for outstretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstretch
Verb
  • Edwards extended his hit streak to five games during Tuesday evening’s 9-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox, going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Eighth-grader Ella Parece dealt a complete-game shutout, pairing with a two-RBI performance from Bella Bourque to help Taunton (2-0) extend its win streak to 58 games with a 5-0 Hockomock League victory over Attleboro.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • D’Orsay flats lengthen the silhouette with a crisp line, while Mary Janes introduce a contemporary nuance and slingbacks finish off an outfit with polish.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Detention stays are lengthening in part because of the administration's decision last summer to restrict bond hearings in immigration court.
    Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With the 2026 midterms approaching, sustained voter unease could reshape the broader electoral map and complicate Republican efforts to hold or expand their congressional margins.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But the department is looking to expand its authority.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Trolley lines move across the city, stretching as far West as the Darby Transit Center and back East toward 13th street.
    Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In the courtyard, the hotel’s signature Mariposa (Spanish for butterfly) sculpture stretches overhead like a modern butterfly wing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In 1958, Golestan, having just opened his own studio, hired Farrokhzad, who was already well known for boldly candid love poetry, as an assistant.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • So please open your eyes and look at what’s happened in Iran.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Farmers had hoped to compensate for last year's losses, when farm bankruptcies increased for the second year in a row.
    Lana Zak, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The goal is to complete the project ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when traffic and pedestrian activity are expected to increase downtown.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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