as in 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 splayed
Another video shared the same day showed multiple men in tactical vests loading into a vehicle with a similar Mexican flag splayed across the hood.
—
Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
The new tattoo, completed late Tuesday, now is a Celtic knot with a dog-like creature splayed in the middle of it.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Counterfeit goods are usually sold on blankets that are splayed out on the sidewalk or on tables.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
The full video shows a man — Retes — splayed on the ground surrounded by agents.
—Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
Kuminga was splayed out on the floor after Lakers reserve Jake LaRavia had buckled him with a hesitation move midway through the quarter.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Ingram has taken a few tough looks with two teammates open for 3, splayed out behind him.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Folks splayed out on blankets across the grassy lawns, fanned themselves and cooled off with cold beers.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
To keep making the most of your grill, try Nosrat’s Joojeh Kebab, where chicken thighs are marinated in yogurt, saffron, and a hit of citrus before being splayed on the barbecue.
—Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
The new tattoo, completed late Tuesday, now is a Celtic knot with a dog-like creature splayed in the middle of it.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Counterfeit goods are usually sold on blankets that are splayed out on the sidewalk or on tables.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
The full video shows a man — Retes — splayed on the ground surrounded by agents.
—Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
Kuminga was splayed out on the floor after Lakers reserve Jake LaRavia had buckled him with a hesitation move midway through the quarter.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Ingram has taken a few tough looks with two teammates open for 3, splayed out behind him.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Folks splayed out on blankets across the grassy lawns, fanned themselves and cooled off with cold beers.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
To keep making the most of your grill, try Nosrat’s Joojeh Kebab, where chicken thighs are marinated in yogurt, saffron, and a hit of citrus before being splayed on the barbecue.
—Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splayed
Verb
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The organization's dogs don't just support New Yorkers on marathon day; New York Therapy Animals' fluffy volunteers spread smiles across the city's hospitals, healthcare facilities, day centers, and assisted living facilities.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Looking ahead, Westenberger said Carter’s may actually benefit from increasing costs in the year ahead, as the impact of tariffs is spread across the industry.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The allure is, of course, obvious — a private members’ club for creative elites with chic hotels and restaurants scattered across major international cities.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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When people think of Jordan, images of bubble tents scattered across the desert, cinematic scenes from Dune, and the sandstone city of Petra, one of the world’s wonders, might come to mind.—
Essence,
Essence,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The teams split the first two games in Toronto.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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Earlier surveys reflected similar divisions, underscoring a community sharply split over his candidacy.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Splayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splayed. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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