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 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 | [email protected], 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 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
  • His term would be up around the end of May but it had been widely rumored that the White House could take steps to keep him on or extend his employment status in some way.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Given that half of these coal plants would probably cost too much to upgrade and continue operating, the contribution from extending the lifetimes of active coal plants would fall to something below 5%.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The bright yellow tube is designed to lengthen and lift, while featuring an oversized grip and shortened wand for comfy, full-control application.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Similarly, if the cracks continue to widen or lengthen over time, this often means that the foundation is shifting or sinking.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Dark hardwood floors stretch over to the formal dining area, which sits opposite the chef’s kitchen.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Because your stomach stretches, moves, and flexes more than other areas, Ellis notes, navel piercings can be more prone to irritation than other piercings and can have a longer healing process.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Patterson is set to enter the transfer portal when the second cycle opens on Wednesday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • After three frustrating results to open the season, NJ/NY Gotham FC found its breakthrough Sunday, edging out the North Carolina Courage 3-1 at Sports Illustrated Arena.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The price of buying a foreign car could increase by anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000, Goldman Sachs estimates.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
  • These tariffs directly increase costs for producers, particularly in the construction of drilling rigs and pipelines.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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