1
as in to extend
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
The suburbs sprawl for miles beyond the city's downtown.
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2
as in to stretch (out)
to rest with the arms and legs spread out
There's no feeling like sprawling out on your bed after a hard day's work.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sprawl
One of the least populated places east of the Mississippi River, the Wilds sprawl across a vast expanse of the rugged Allegheny Plateau.
—
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Shiki Seafood has a location in Temple City, which features a sprawling buffet of sashimi, sushi rolls, crab legs, shellfish, hot entrees, desserts and a chocolate fountain, among other offerings typical of large-format seafood buffets.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Both sides hired a sprawling team of lawyers for the litigation, with legal expenses likely in the tens of millions of dollars.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
There’s a newfound confidence to sprawl out in unexpected, noisy ways.
—David Glickman, Pitchfork, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Shiki Seafood has a location in Temple City, which features a sprawling buffet of sashimi, sushi rolls, crab legs, shellfish, hot entrees, desserts and a chocolate fountain, among other offerings typical of large-format seafood buffets.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Both sides hired a sprawling team of lawyers for the litigation, with legal expenses likely in the tens of millions of dollars.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
There’s a newfound confidence to sprawl out in unexpected, noisy ways.
—David Glickman, Pitchfork, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Morey also selected Maxey out of Kentucky, signed George in free agency and extended Embiid’s contract through the next three seasons.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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The Guardians had a five-run outburst in the third inning, taking advantage of four walks, to extend their lead to 7-0.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
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But motivations diverge wildly at this stage of a season, making fixture difficulty tricky to assess.—
Ayo Akinwolere,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
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Charmed at first, Nella soon becomes confused and suspicious of her alleged ally as their approaches to racial bias and diversity begin to sharply diverge and the story, told through a past and present timeline, unravels with unexpected twists.—
Laura Zigman,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Set the scene The hotel sits along the Nile in Giza, just across the river from central Cairo.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
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His modest velocity — Giolito has sat between the high 80s and low 90s in each start — is the main reason the Padres are tempering expectations for a pitcher whose contract stipulates he must be added to the big-league roster by Saturday.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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There are numerous suites in the mix that expand upon the space, and anyone booking an executive category room enjoys access to the 25th-floor club lounge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Together, the movements reflected an apparent effort to insulate some of Iran's remaining military and aviation assets from the expanding conflict, even as officials publicly served as brokers for de-escalation.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Much of the discussion following the game is about flopping and supposed favorable whistles for the Thunder.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Some species will flop over when grown in rich soils.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
4 May 2026
Verb
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The flower, which radiates positivity and joy, encourages Leo to showcase their vivacious personality.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
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Naturally then, many guests greet the staff like old friends, and this familial atmosphere radiates out through the casual grace of the hotel staff.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Activities on the sprawling estate span from the active (horseback riding, hiking, kayaking) to the restful (lounging by the large pool overlooking the mountains).—
Rebekah Peppler,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
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Photos of the pair lounging at the pool of an exclusive Arizona hotel were published at the time, followed by Russini and Vrabel’s swift denials of anything untoward.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Flop down in your favorite blue armchair, rest a hand behind your head, and settle into a new week of Atlantic Trivia.—
Drew Goins,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
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After resting Monday, the Padres will visit the feisty Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game series.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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