as in to spread
to cause to move outward and apart
He sat with his legs splayed apart. She splayed her fingers to show off her manicure.
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Recent Examples of splay
The clip accompanying the Facebook post starts with the 600-pound gator splayed out on a Florida road as several uniformed people approach it.
—
Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
With his eyes rolled back in his head and his hand splayed in front of him, Will stops them each mid-air and kills them instantly.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2025
On the album cover, she’s splayed across a blue-gray carpet in a brown sweater and sheer tights.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
The sneakers feature Altra’s signature FootShape design, which splays at the front to give your toes ample space for natural movement.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for splay
Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
With his eyes rolled back in his head and his hand splayed in front of him, Will stops them each mid-air and kills them instantly.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2025
On the album cover, she’s splayed across a blue-gray carpet in a brown sweater and sheer tights.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
The sneakers feature Altra’s signature FootShape design, which splays at the front to give your toes ample space for natural movement.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for splay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splay
Verb
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The group also reported that more than 2,300 people have been arrested and that demonstrations have spread to at least 180 cities nationwide.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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The band was also unique in allowing fans to tape the concerts, with vigorous trading of tapes helping to spread recognition of their music outside of radio play.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Their relationship hasn't been without bumps — the pair briefly split in 2015 — but the couple has managed to weather the ups and downs.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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For a splurge, split a stateroom in The Haven by Norwegian, a ship-within-a-ship concept offering luxury accommodations and 24-hour butler service.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Splay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splay. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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