1
as in to extend
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
The suburbs sprawl for miles beyond the city's downtown.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stretch (out)
to rest with the arms and legs spread out
There's no feeling like sprawling out on your bed after a hard day's work.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 sprawl
Guests can opt for cottages featuring their own Southern porches, private log cabins on the lake, or classic hotel rooms in one of three lodges—all with various views of the sprawling natural property and charm of a quieter bygone era.
—
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
The easily preventable disease, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, ripped through communities sprawling across more than 20 Texas counties in part because health departments were starved of the funding needed to run vaccine programs, officials say.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2025
This 1923 ending expands the sprawling Dutton family tree.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
One solution that has emerged to attract more public transit riders is on-demand transit, which dynamically routes buses in real-time to better reach users and serves as a cost-effective tool for reversing declining ridership and addressing service gaps in sprawling suburbs.
—Ankit Mishra, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
The easily preventable disease, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, ripped through communities sprawling across more than 20 Texas counties in part because health departments were starved of the funding needed to run vaccine programs, officials say.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2025
This 1923 ending expands the sprawling Dutton family tree.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
One solution that has emerged to attract more public transit riders is on-demand transit, which dynamically routes buses in real-time to better reach users and serves as a cost-effective tool for reversing declining ridership and addressing service gaps in sprawling suburbs.
—Ankit Mishra, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
-
In rare cases, legislative changes could extend the window.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Ray and his friend were sentenced to 10 days of pre-trial detention, which was previously extended to April 24.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The skills required to thrive here diverge sharply from those honed in traditional corporate environments.—
Gustaf Lundberg Toresson,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Because the genetic lines of humans and bonobos diverged more than 7 million years ago, the research suggests the roots of complex language go far deeper than had been previously believed.—
Saul Elbein,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Pena, sitting at No. 3 in the women’s bantamweight rankings, earned a shot at Amanda Nunes and her bantamweight title in December 2021.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The gray and white dog was tied to a car, one of the 10 vehicles plus an RV sitting on the land in March.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In 2024, the league took concrete steps in that direction, expanding the number of international roster spots from five per team to seven.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Now that the charter will expand the incoming council to nine members, if the bill is adopted, changing the line would require six council member votes.—
Luke Parker,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Her cookery show seems to have bombed and the previous podcast deal with Spotify flopped, so the desire to succeed this time is weighing heavily on her shoulders.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
If the company’s stock flops, your reward flops too.—
Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The city is divided along sectarian lines: The south is home mostly to Sunni Muslims, while the northern neighborhoods are mostly Alawite.—
Christina Goldbaum,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Passengers are divided on the appropriateness of removing shoes during flights, citing comfort versus hygiene and safety.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Today, most of Micanopy’s activity radiates from Cholokka Boulevard.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Even outside of the event season, Pismo radiates that classic California charm with wide-open beaches, fresh seafood, and a town that greets everyone with a smile.—
Pismo Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The plan also includes an education center and a café and lounge open to the street.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Now the steps have planters with juniper bushes on top for aesthetics — and to keep fans from lounging there.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share