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
  • Agencies should extend eligibility windows for career development awards, and universities should adjust promotion timelines and protect trainees.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The upscale vibe extends to chic beachfront cafés, refined cocktail lounges, boutique retailers, and galleries featuring local designers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Beauer has compacted down the six-person floor plan from three trailer segments to two by lengthening the chassis, straightening up the end walls, and consolidating the first- and second-segment spaces from the 3X Plus into the front segment.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Once the referee’s report reaches the state Supreme Court, the court can accept everything in the referee’s report, lengthen or shorten any disciplinary action, or reject the report.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The loss helps expand the Democratic majority in the Assembly that could reach a record not seen since the 1850s.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Commission members are advancing a number of ideas to expand the role RESCs play in meeting Connecticut’s education goals.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The Kamiński/Spielberg collaboration, which now stretches over 30 years and more than 20 films, has to count as one of the most significant artistic collaborations in American cinema history.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The disparate destinations of McPherson’s childhood, farms that stretched to Gainesville connected on smaller roads, were morphing, but to Woodrow’s eyes, big-deal nights out still seemed distant.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The red-roofed, Victorian-era property has attracted many celebrities—Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Oprah, to name a few—since opening its doors in 1888.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The group also operates Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The Story of Mi Cariño and is opening Italian restaurant Lady Funari soon.
    — Evan Moore November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Relying on spreadsheets or notebooks to monitor your trips takes time and reconstructing a log from memory increases the likelihood of mistakes.
    — Marc Guberti, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2026
  • University of Miami plays Duke at noon Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, and that means traffic will increase in the area before and after the game.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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