stretch 1 of 3

Definition of stretchnext

stretch

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details it was stretching the truth to say she'd been in the movies: she was once an extra whose scene was cut in the final version

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to pull
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure I stretched a back muscle, and the pain is killing me

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3
as in to lengthen
to make longer the time it would take to fix the car got stretched from three hours to two days when the part we needed had to be ordered

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4
5
as in to tighten
to draw tight if the canvas isn't properly stretched over the frame, there will be sagging over time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stretch

3 of 3

adjective

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 stretch
Noun
For the Day 2 stretch between the cemetery and Garden District, the streetcar is both practical and scenic. Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 The 38-year-old doctor also spends weeklong stretches in an understaffed ICU, watching over patients as ventilators hum and conversations tip between survival and loss. Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
The afternoon belongs to the French Market, a historic open-air market stretching along the riverfront. Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026 From Jackson Square, stroll toward the French Market, a historic open-air market stretching along the riverfront. Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Technologies such as Revo-Su, which significantly reduces water consumption, and B210, which enables biodegradability in stretch fabrics, are direct outcomes of this focus. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026 Illinois was among the leaders in upgrading its model codes to address higher standards and encourage the use of stretch codes. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretch
Noun
  • And just off of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar renovation that saw a refresh of every guest room, the expansion of its family-friendly villa offerings, a sleek new pool, and several updates to its world-class golf course, the property is feeling better than ever.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Surprisingly, there are a few dresses worn by society figures of a bygone age when Denver was an up-and-coming metropolis, made rich by mining and the westward expansion of American culture.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Back then in the race, the goal was to beat the Soviet Union in space and to the moon, which was accomplished.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
  • With 33 seconds remaining, after scoring five straight points and in possession of the ball, the Warriors used Curry’s gravity to draw defenders out of the paint, giving Gary Payton II enough space to catch a pass from Draymond Green and put in a layup for a 116-115 lead.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This has parents concerned and states across the political spectrum starting to act.
    Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • At the other end of the spectrum are Josh Lowe (46%), Jorge Soler (42%) and Oswald Peraza (39%).
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Crowds of bird fans carrying smartphones and cameras are craning daily for a look at its silly walk, while mostly maintaining a respectful distance.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The team, according to records shared with Semafor by Moore’s office, is digging into whether Moore had exaggerated his military record, as well as his high school and collegiate basketball tenure.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, whose term featured record numbers of disappearances and homicides, complained that political adversaries were exaggerating the problem to smear his reputation and legacy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026
  • After Giants shortstop Willy Adames' throw on Semien's infield single pulled first baseman Jerar Encarnacion off the bag, third baseman Chapman made a throwing error that allowed one run to score.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Padres are banking on more of that to lengthen the lineup for the top of an order that is also not living up to expectations, but the Padres catchers have continued to provide value on defense throughout their sluggish start at the plate.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The bill would essentially prioritize people committed under the new process over those waiting for competency restoration services, potentially lengthening the competency waitlist, said Jack Johnson, public policy liaison at Disability Law Colorado.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While Hungary is a member of the European Union, Orbán has repeatedly attacked the it and clashed with his European counterparts on several issues, including Russia's war in Ukraine, using his veto power to try to block the EU's efforts to support Ukraine.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Funderburk walked three batters in the eighth, but Spencer Torkelson was out trying to advance when a pitch got behind catcher Victor Caratini and bounced off the limestone backstop right back to the catcher.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stretch. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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