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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for outstretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstretch
Verb
  • The Iranian regime spent decades building the Axis of Resistance, a coalition of anti-Western militias that extended Tehran’s influence deep into the Arab world.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • With a frontline of 7-footer Danny Wolf and 7-1 Vlad Goldin, Michigan shut down space near the basket and forced Nebraska to extend its offense.
    Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Their trade for Jesús Luzardo raises the ceiling of their back-end starters, lengthening the rotation even before top prospect Andrew Painter is called up to the majors.
    Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • My complexion was pore-less, my lashes were lengthened, but my brows looked meh.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • She’s since expanded into other jewelry and accessories categories and launched lifestyle items like laptop cases, luggage tags and keychains.
    Layla Ilchi, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, about 90 minutes from L.A., Hollywood power couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have expanded their West Coast property portfolio with a vacation getaway in the mountain community of Lake Arrowhead.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The waistband is made from an elastic that stretches to move with you.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • But first and foremost, Fonda is a longtime political activist, stretching from her work speaking out against the Vietnam War to her fight for women's rights, civil rights, and climate change awareness.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The tool can be accessed by opening this link in Chrome.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Moffet opened Stagioni in 2014 in the historic villa.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Easy solution: increase the toll to keep more cars out of Midtown.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Though Congress began its new session just a little over a month ago, its approval rating has increased among Americans, according to new data from Gallup.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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