Definition of outstretchnext
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
  • The hotel dining venues occasionally extend their hours to accommodate theatergoers spilling out of the Majestic Theatre across the street.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The Duval County School Board will vote on holding a November referendum to extend a 1-mill property tax.
    Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s insistence on securing a decisive outcome may lengthen the conflict.
    Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • As orders stack up, lead times are lengthening, driven not only by demand but by reduced access to essential materials.
    Travis Edmonds, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The bill expanded background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21 and also provided federal money for state red flag laws.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The flagship Semafor World Economy, anchored in Washington DC, is the largest annual gathering of top global CEOs in North America, and Semafor’s convening on emerging economies, The Next Three Billion, is held annually at UNGA and expanded this year to South Africa, East Africa, and UAE.
    Rachel Keidan, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Between Split and Trogir stretches the Kastela Riviera, a chain of small and charming coastal towns facing a sheltered bay.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
  • That design continues across its three decks, stretching all the way to the beach club, which is home to fold-out wings for even more lounging space onboard.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Next month the agency will open a community engagement center, where residents can drop by during office hours to ask questions and get information.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
  • But Adebayo and Ware again opened Thursday’s game in separate units.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s increasing willingness to use overwhelming military force to pursue American interests abroad throws that calculus into question.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
  • City records from November show police planned to install six more cameras and increase lighting.
    Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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