the stretch
noun
: the final straight part of a racecourse before the finish line
the horses are in the (final) stretch
—often used figurativelyShe's in the final stretch. The baby's due next month.
They will wind up the season with a winning record having won some crucial games down the stretch.
Examples of the stretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Gamecocks opened their lead back up to five points before the end of the third, and UConn seemed to buckle as the pressure mounted down the stretch.
—
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Her ability to stretch the floor added a new dimension to Missouri’s offense down the stretch, including a strong postseason showing.
—Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
While LeBron James and Austin Reaves have also played well down the stretch, the Lakers thoroughly depend on Doncic, who either scored or assisted on 58% of the their total points in March.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The project focuses on the stretch of East Seventh Street that falls between Interstate 94 and Minnehaha Avenue and a portion of Arcade Street between Neid Lane and East Seventh Street.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
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Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Her ability to stretch the floor added a new dimension to Missouri’s offense down the stretch, including a strong postseason showing.
—Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
While LeBron James and Austin Reaves have also played well down the stretch, the Lakers thoroughly depend on Doncic, who either scored or assisted on 58% of the their total points in March.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The project focuses on the stretch of East Seventh Street that falls between Interstate 94 and Minnehaha Avenue and a portion of Arcade Street between Neid Lane and East Seventh Street.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
Cite this Entry
“The stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20stretch. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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