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 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 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
  • The downgrade to a notch above junk was based on loans extended to countries that have defaulted on their obligations.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
  • Activate Multiple Channels For Maximum Impact True market leadership extends beyond content creation to thoughtful activation across multiple channels.
    Yogesh Shah, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Think a Wi-Fi enabled security camera, Kindle e-reader, an Anker power bank to lengthen your phone’s battery life, and more—no coupon needed.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
  • For corporate treasury desks, this means hedging windows must lengthen and broaden.
    Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • As part of the package, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will deliver more than $275 million in grant funding to expand parking access for truck drivers nationwide.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
  • Really expand that, but that's part of the process.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Closing arguments are set to begin this week, on Thursday, and stretch into the following day.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 June 2025
  • The Dade-Collier Airport is located within the Everglades, a subtropical wetland ecosystem stretching across two million acres of central and south Florida.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The offshore yuan was little changed on the news and China’s equity futures were yet to open.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Ikea also plans to open 58 new stores globally during fiscal year 2025 ending in August, with its first outlet in Seoul — fifth in South Korea — up and running since April.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Establishing a medical school here is expected to increase the likelihood of graduates practicing in the area, while addressing a national shortage of physicians.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Speakers said recent actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials had provoked increasing concern over the safety of local residents attending the Club World Cup games this summer at Hard Rock Stadium.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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