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
  • Arizona extended its lead in the sixth after Tawa hit an RBI single to left and Perdomo drove in a run on a groundout to first.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • There were several security guards and metal detectors customers had to go through, which created a line extending out the Union Station doors.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • Most of the sourdough breads on store shelves, however, include various other ingredients, most commonly yeast to speed up the rise and vinegar or lactic acid to boost sour flavor and also to stabilize the dough and lengthen its shelf life.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Air Force partnership expands The award extends Asylon’s collaboration with the Air Force beyond autonomous security operations, an area where its robotic platforms already support active missions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • The order covers the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, stretching over Palmyra and Johnston atolls and Kingman Reef, among others.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Additionally, the 100-percent cotton fabric is soft, comfortable, and durable, which means the pants won’t stretch out or lose their shape.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Just a week in the Iranian capital has offered an eye-opening insight into where the country is today.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Antonio Nusa opened the scoring before Ivory Coast equalised, but Haaland struck an 86th-minute winner.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • On average, Google says this new data should increase your backup size by 40 MB.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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