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 | [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 See All Example Sentences for outstretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstretch
Verb
  • Mitchell also scored at least 20 points for the 25th consecutive game, extending her WNBA record.
    Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • That dedication to a good night’s sleep also extended to the Cyrus family’s touring days.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Their sleek silhouette and tapered toe boxes won’t overwhelm outfits, and instead, have a leg-lengthening effect when paired with skinny jeans (in true millennial fashion) or straight-leg pants.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
  • As the researchers lengthened the fall, this phase increased—a behavior in line with the theory.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Let collaboration expand the possibility without handing over ownership of it.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Novelis is expanding its portfolio of coated aluminum solutions for battery applications, targeting components including battery enclosures, casings and electrical connectors known as bus bars.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • At Gatwick Airport, about 30 miles south of central London, passengers stretched out on the bare floor beside their suitcases.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The text is written on parchment made from sheep, fleeced, their hides soaked in lime, stretched and dried.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The fish is barely breathing, though its mouth opens and closes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • SonoLux Montreal finally opened in late 2025, and was designed to be part hotel, part immersive art experience.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The political costs will be calculated in November’s midterm congressional elections, with Republicans facing increasing headwinds from the war’s unpopularity.
    Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • For a house assessed at the county average of $270,000 last year, this year’s county tax bill would increase $58 to $2,165, according to a Miami Herald calculation based on a home that pays county taxes for municipal, fire and library services.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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