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 collective process involved in the making of even one film is extended by the electric impact of films placed in juxtaposition.
    Geoffrey O’Brien, The New York Review of Books, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his contract at Inter Miami last October, tying him to the Major League Soccer side through the 2028 season.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The sideways lean becomes a forward one, the gap between his legs increases, and his feet begin landing beneath or slightly behind his centre of mass as his stride lengthens.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Go with a pair of sleek almond-toe pumps to visually lengthen the legs and instantly elevate a look.
    Renata Joffre, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Spotify announced plans to expand its own AI labeling, focusing on telling users when an artist is artificial rather than specific songs.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Longtime American soccer reporter Pablo Maurer’s story outlines a potential 20-team competition that expands the postseason field by two while also adding incentives for teams to finish higher in the table.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ahn’s screen career stretched nearly seven decades, from his 1957 debut as a child actor through his later years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and longtime member of the BIFF festival committee.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
  • For shopper Kori Farmer, The Grocery Spot helps stretch her budget while giving her access to fresh food close to home.
    Jamal Goss, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Her SongTeller Hotel in Nashville — which includes two live music venues, a speakeasy, a cafe, and the Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum — is scheduled to open next month.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Traffic through the strait is beginning to increase, but remains sharply depressed.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Boston increased its lead to 6-4 in the sixth on an RBI triple from Abreu when right fielder Jung Hoo Lee misplayed a line drive.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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