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.
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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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sprawl
The finished development is billed as revitalization of not just the sprawling sports complex, parts of which have fallen into disrepair, but also of East Oakland — an area of the town where economic activity has dwindled.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
The expectation that audiences would have intimate knowledge of a sprawling multiverse covered in a glut of features and TV series no doubt contributed to the perception of genre fatigue.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025
In Shenzhen, the sprawling metropolis just across the border from Hong Kong, authorities have mandated the conversion of the city’s entire taxi and bus fleets to electric vehicles as far back as 2018.
—Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
For a breezy meal on site, try the sprawling terrace at the museum’s Verde, with waterfront views and excellent fish tacos and pizzas.
—AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
The expectation that audiences would have intimate knowledge of a sprawling multiverse covered in a glut of features and TV series no doubt contributed to the perception of genre fatigue.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025
In Shenzhen, the sprawling metropolis just across the border from Hong Kong, authorities have mandated the conversion of the city’s entire taxi and bus fleets to electric vehicles as far back as 2018.
—Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
For a breezy meal on site, try the sprawling terrace at the museum’s Verde, with waterfront views and excellent fish tacos and pizzas.
—AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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What happens when these results are extended across the population as a whole?—
Laura Clawson,
JSTOR Daily,
19 July 2025
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This year, teams will play 44 regular season games each, and the Finals have been extended from a five-game series to a seven-game series.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
19 July 2025
Verb
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If not for our nation’s First Amendment, our country could quickly resemble a despotism where police forces attack reporters and quash news reports that diverge from the official view.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
15 July 2025
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The groups may have diverged from each other about 130 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Rather than sitting as a borderline postseason contender at the trade deadline, Toronto sits atop the American League and leads the A.L. East by multiple games.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
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Several times over the years, parents from the other team have sat on our side.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The plan laid out in Tuesday’s staff report proposed a ballot measure that would expand protections for thousands of acres of open space across Irvine.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
26 July 2025
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As of 2025, fiber internet is available to approximately 88.1 million U.S. households (56.5%), but access is expanding rapidly.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
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However, tall varieties, which can reach 5 feet in height, should be staked to keep them upright and prevent them from flopping over nearby plants.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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During Fan Expo Denver, Fraser gave his take on why the follow-up flopped, per Collider.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Nara's more recent paintings, such as Midnight Tears (2023), feature tender, fragmented brushwork that radiates introspection.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Their vocal harmonies intertwine easily over a textured arrangement of keys, bass, drums, and guitars, creating an uplifting summer anthem that radiates sincerity and charm.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Wear wide-leg linen pants out to dinner, to the beach, while lounging around the house, or even to the office.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
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Out back, the yard is anchored by a 75-foot heated saltwater pool, with plenty of surrounding deck space for lounging under an umbrella.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 July 2025
Verb
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In the photo, Spieth and his children's hands can be seen touching the little one, who is resting while wearing a blue onesie with trucks printed on it.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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And the King doesn’t seem inclined to stop his duties to rest.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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