spread out
phrasal verb
spread out; spreading out; spreads out
1
: to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
He spread out the map on the table.
He spread the cards out on the table.
The cards were spread out across the table.
2
: to be open, arranged, or extended over a large area
The city is spread out over a wide area.
3
: to move (parts of the body) outward or away from each other
Spread your arms out.
There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.
4
: to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
They spread the work out among the committee members.
The course is spread out over two semesters.
5
: to move apart from the other members of a group especially to search an area
The police spread out to search the area faster.
Examples of spread out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, the snow will spread out over the weekend in a couple of waves, with a break in the middle.
—
Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026
The property is spread out, but the main buildings are connected by indoor corridors and elevators, allowing guests to move between spaces without going outside, even in winter.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Jan. 2026
Greater Miami is built low and spread out — dominated by single-family homes that take up lots of land.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Bonus depreciation allows businesses to deduct up to the full cost of new machinery or equipment during its first year of use, rather than spreading out deductions over multiple years.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026
The property is spread out, but the main buildings are connected by indoor corridors and elevators, allowing guests to move between spaces without going outside, even in winter.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Jan. 2026
Greater Miami is built low and spread out — dominated by single-family homes that take up lots of land.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Bonus depreciation allows businesses to deduct up to the full cost of new machinery or equipment during its first year of use, rather than spreading out deductions over multiple years.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread out
Cite this Entry
“Spread out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spread%20out. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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