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 Buckeyes extended their record of being ranked in the preseason to 72 years.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • What’s more, SB 180 extends the freeze for a full year after every future hurricane within 100 miles of a local government, threatening a rolling paralysis in planning for nearly every part of Florida.
    Haley Busch, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Since official records began in 1973, Earth's solar day has been steadily lengthening, mostly due to the moon.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Perhaps his confidence in continuing the war is one more item on a lengthening list of his strategic mistakes.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • In the near term, Baxter said the brand will expand its lightweight and cooling platforms to increase penetration in southern climates.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • However, the company opened its first cafe in New York City in 2021 and has since expanded to four locations, two in New York and two in California.
    Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At its longest, the line stretched out the door and almost to the sidewalk, past three white Adirondack rocking chairs that were all in motion.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • With domestic firefighting capacity stretched thin, Canada has also requested international aid.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Next month, the local wedding venue owner will open JP Restaurant and Lounge in the former Sarto’s space in Jefferson Park.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Gather made its Bay View debut Aug. 12 and will be opening in the Falls Aug. 13.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The addition of more NFL programming increases the value.
    Joe Reedy, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Trump also targeted Walmart after the retailer warned its prices would increase to absorb the cost of his tariffs.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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