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 | Pgattis@al.com, 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
  • Carson Kelly’s three-run home run in the ninth allowed Counsell to stay away from closer Daniel Palencia with the Cubs’ lead extended to six runs.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, oil prices extended recent declines.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Before the start of the Iran war in late February, China's lead in clean technologies was lengthening.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Start Early and Plant into Fall Maximize your small space by lengthening your growing season.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The law will expand background checks for adults living with guardians and create a new Child Welfare Ombudsman, which is an independent advocate inside the attorney general's office to handle complaints and review child welfare practices.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Cooper, who has long served as the host of Call Her Daddy since 2018 alongside her ex-cohost Sofia Franklyn, expanded her podcasting empire into the Unwell Network in August 2023.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The truth of those words is manifest in the myriad structures from the Mughal era (1526–1857) that have survived for centuries after the fall of the empire, which at its height stretched across nearly the entire Indian subcontinent.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Schools in the network will also have a longer school year that stretches further into the summer, student-teachers training to become full-time educators, support staff for teachers during lessons and group instruction and higher compensation.
    Samuel O’Neal Updated April 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • It’s been roughly 11 months since the Knicks and Celtics met in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, a series ending in disaster for the Celtics, who were favored to beat the Knicks before blowing consecutive 20-point leads to open the semifinals.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Nearly a dozen new Alpha campuses are opening in the fall amid surging demand.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The list of measures in the statement touches on ties that China had suspended in recent years as tensions increased.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Crews also removed a wooden timber debris screen in front of one of the dam's gates to help increase water flow through it.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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