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
  • The lessons Thomas wanted his daughters to learn now extend beyond his own family.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • This is a pilot program, and unless Congress extends the availability, children born in other years cannot receive the starter sum.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Rays get one of the best second basemen in baseball this year and another weapon to lengthen their lineup.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Its bitterness opens the palate, while the tea lengthens the drink without relying on more alcohol.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Abarca also wants to expand affordable housing options in Jackson County, invest in law enforcement and support local businesses.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Protesters blame Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demand his resignation, but the demonstrations have since expanded into a wider anger over government accountability, spreading to other cities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • On the ensuing possession, Sneed knocked down his fifth 3 of the game from the right wing to bring his scoring total to 27 points and stretch Purple Reign’s lead back to 10.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Building a free-flowing, attack-minded squad was the priority, but Keegan’s appeal stretched beyond the dressing room.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Summerland Cafe is the first concept to open at the farmers market, which will have a variety of stalls featuring local growers, butchers and other food businesses once it debuts.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Haltom’s Jewelers, which opened its first Fort Worth store in 1905 and moved to Sundance Square in 1988, closing all three locations in 2024.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Enrollment in private schools in Miami-Dade County — religious and non-religious — has increased from about 70,000 to 92,000 the past two decades, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Demolishing folding tables has become so popular — and worrisome — at Bills games that retail prices of tables in Western New York have been known to increase during football season.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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