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 attention to detail extended even to Obama’s on-screen aide, played by his real-life Director of Oval Office Operations Brian Mosteller.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run single to extend his career-high on-base streak to 25 games.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Like a single on the old-skool charts, Sean Combs‘ prison time keeps moving up and down, with the Bad Boy Records founder’s stint behind bars lengthened again.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Originally built for Seabourn in the 1990s, this older ship was purchased by Windstar in 2015 and refurbished and lengthened in 2020.
    Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Start the conversation, suggest the class, or invite someone into a plan that expands the room.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • South Africa's utility, Eskom, plans to develop a 1-gigawatt solar manufacturing facility to capture more value from its fast-expanding solar market and respond to changing electricity demand.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Data centers typically take 18 to 24 months to build, but completion times are getting stretched as delays are getting worse.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That created a contentious primary for the Republican-leaning district, which stretches east from Nashville.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Carey clapped in celebration, opening her homecoming with a hit.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • And once their permanent facility opens at 19 Brock Avenue (a converted townhouse), that personable spirit will certainly continue.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Corporate America has dramatically increased investment in women's sports over the past several years as leagues such as the WNBA and the National Women's Soccer League continue posting record attendance and television ratings.
    Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Houthis’ allies The Houthis are backed by Iran, which began increasing its aid to the group in 2014 as the civil war escalated and as its rivalry with Saudi Arabia intensified.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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