as in extensive
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1
as in extended
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lengthened
to make longer
having outstretched our lunch break beyond all reason, we reluctantly headed back to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outstretched
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
The photo showed Princess Kate standing on a log in the woods with her arms outstretched.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
In overtime, Celebrini created a turnover, took control of the puck along the boards in the neutral zone, carried it into the Kings zone and on a 2-on-1, fed Eklund, who scored past the outstretched arms of goalie Darcy Kuemper for his 11th goal of the season.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Tottenham did bundle in one goal through Richarlison and had moments when a different bounce or an outstretched boot might have got them an equaliser.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
There were hands outstretched, flashing peace signs.
—Devin Kelly, Outside, 15 Dec. 2025
At the August prayer event, attendees laid their hands on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who knelt on the floor with his palms outstretched to receive prayers from religious leaders.
—Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2025
Tua Tagovailoa needs to throw one of those 40-yard dimes to Jaylen Waddle, or thread the needle with a touchdown pass to Darren Waller, getting it through the outstretched arms of a defender.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
Instead, his pop-fly pass landed in the outstretched hands of Bills cornerback Christian Benford, who was blitzing on the play and had leaped to bring the ball down with him.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
At the other end, Brown hit two high-arcing first-quarter 3-pointers over Wembanyama’s outstretched arms.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
The photo showed Princess Kate standing on a log in the woods with her arms outstretched.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
In overtime, Celebrini created a turnover, took control of the puck along the boards in the neutral zone, carried it into the Kings zone and on a 2-on-1, fed Eklund, who scored past the outstretched arms of goalie Darcy Kuemper for his 11th goal of the season.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Tottenham did bundle in one goal through Richarlison and had moments when a different bounce or an outstretched boot might have got them an equaliser.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
There were hands outstretched, flashing peace signs.
—Devin Kelly, Outside, 15 Dec. 2025
At the August prayer event, attendees laid their hands on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who knelt on the floor with his palms outstretched to receive prayers from religious leaders.
—Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2025
Tua Tagovailoa needs to throw one of those 40-yard dimes to Jaylen Waddle, or thread the needle with a touchdown pass to Darren Waller, getting it through the outstretched arms of a defender.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
Instead, his pop-fly pass landed in the outstretched hands of Bills cornerback Christian Benford, who was blitzing on the play and had leaped to bring the ball down with him.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstretched
Adjective
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The system comes preloaded with a vision–language–action (VLA) large model and more than 10,000 real-world data samples, enabling it to perform complex tasks without extensive setup or calibration.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The Denver Police Department warned that extensive road closures are in place, and all intersections surrounding the area are closed.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite its age, MAVEN has enough fuel to remain in orbit until at least 2030, and the mission was formally extended in 2022 through September 2025.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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The tender deadline was extended once and Paramount’s counsel acknowledged at the hearing today that it will be extended again but did not note the new date.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The roll-up top can be lengthened or tightened to fit your skis, accommodating up to two pairs of skis that are 203 centimeters long, as well as all the gear needed—from helmets and boots to gloves and ski gear.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Dec. 2025
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Voices have dropped; IMDb pages have lengthened.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The organization said this case could have far-reaching consequences on trans rights more broadly.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Sassanid Persian coins reflect the far-reaching ties that China had with the known world.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The popular chicken restaurant has been in operation for more than 70 years and expanded to eight different states, but it is still recognized as a Chicago staple.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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The restaurant group, which includes a large catering operation, has steadily expanded over the years, boasting eight other locations in San Diego and Orange counties, including its flagship restaurant, the more than16-year-old Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hill.—
Lori Weisberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and to end military action within 60 to 90 days absent authorization — limits that presidents of both parties have routinely stretched.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
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State officials say the program is a way to reduce costs, prevent medication lapses, and ease the burden on doctors, particularly in rural areas where clinicians are already stretched thin.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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When the front door opens, they’re greeted by an androgynous person with longish hair, thick eyebrows and a deep voice.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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Pontiac’s Firebird had a longish life in car years, with four generations spanning 1967 to 2002.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Pruneyard Cinemas opened to a lot of fanfare in 2018, but its owners have been running uphill — and losing ground — since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The business initially opened as a supply store, then added a taproom and eventually a restaurant.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outstretched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretched. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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