splaying

present participle of splay

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 splaying Little happens other than chain-smoking, costume changes and interminable shots of color-shifting strobe lighting splaying across the cast’s cheekbones. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026 When an ice storm is in the forecast, support plants with weak branches that are susceptible to splaying or breaking, like arborvitae and 'Sky Pencil' holly. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 Weah often stayed high, with Miles Robinson splaying out to the right touchline in a traditional right fullback position. Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Bob came out, blinking his eyes hard and closing his big fists tight, splaying his fingers back out in a pink baby starfish. Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splaying
Verb
  • Kovich said attracting new development will ultimately be key to lowering rates further by spreading the cost of the water system across more customers.
    Nina Burns, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Many consumers are visiting more stores and making smaller purchases at each one, spreading their spending around rather than sticking to one retailer out of habit or loyalty.
    Arthur Zackiewicz, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Blood breaks through the inner lining and forces its way into the wall itself, splitting the layers apart and carving a false channel.
    Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The pair reportedly dated for three years before splitting in April 2025, per Page Six.
    Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Rumpled lengths ooze insouciance, radiating a can't-be-bothered energy that, for some, is far cooler than even the bounciest blowout.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • When P-waves start radiating from the earthquake underground, Android phones sense the vibrations, start collecting data and send it back to Google servers for processing.
    Amy Graff, New York Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splaying. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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