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
Most have survived, helping make the stretch between Amsterdam and Columbus one of the neighborhood’s loveliest.
—
Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Nov. 2025
The Jayhawks started the year 4-2 before losing five of six down the stretch.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 28 Nov. 2025
Though for many pitchers this is a matter of luck, randomness or the performances of other players like their defense or relievers, Cease is consistently worse pitching from the stretch, which means hitters perform better against him with men on base.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025
But nothing could be more impactful than adding Witherspoon – the team’s top cornerback at the beginning of the season – for the stretch run.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
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Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Nov. 2025
The Jayhawks started the year 4-2 before losing five of six down the stretch.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 28 Nov. 2025
Though for many pitchers this is a matter of luck, randomness or the performances of other players like their defense or relievers, Cease is consistently worse pitching from the stretch, which means hitters perform better against him with men on base.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025
But nothing could be more impactful than adding Witherspoon – the team’s top cornerback at the beginning of the season – for the stretch run.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 27 Nov. 2025
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 1 Dec. 2025.
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