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 The component sounds of Spanish words, cut down to two vowels and four consonants, are conveyed by whistling, the trick being to curl your fingers against your mouth with one finger outstretched, as if your hand were a gun. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2020 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 See All Example Sentences for outstretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstretch
Verb
  • Republican lawmakers are upping the pressure on GOP leaders to extend enhanced health insurance subsidies set to expire at year’s end for those with Affordable Care Act coverage, bolstering similar demands from Democrats as part of government funding talks.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The two countries last month agreed to extend the trade truce by another 90 days, to mid-November.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the time required to develop new mines is, if anything, lengthening.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Turning for home, two-lengths in front, her stride continued to lengthen.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unrivaled Experiences Growth Spurt Unrivaled will expand ahead of its second season with the addition of two new clubs and a development player pool, the league announced Wednesday.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The panel issued over 100 recommendations, from limiting cash bail for misdemeanors to expanding racial equity training for prosecutors.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Attempts to formalize English at the federal level stretch back decades.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to policing the two demonstrations, the London force was stretched by high-profile soccer matches and concerts.
    Vitalii Yalahuzian, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Pittman is referring to the 6-4 left-hander Austin Simmons, who suffered a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Ole Miss’ 30-23 win last week at Kentucky to open league play.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Jean Silva Betting Odds And Line Movement When the betting odds opened for the Noche UFC main event, BetOnline had Silva as the -250 betting favorite over the +210 Lopes.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Federal Supplement Security Income payments would increase for January but those payments would be made at the end of December.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But there is really no reason why this should be the case for Pilates—which consists of different low-impact movements to strengthen your core muscles, increase your flexibility, improve your posture and give you more awareness of your body in general.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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