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
While challenging to navigate, its sprawling topography offers a wealth of diversity that is also reflected in its drinks scene.
—
Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 June 2025
From $1,050 for three nights, with a three-night minimum.
Perks: Lots of room, pool, jacuzzi and Turkish bath, dedicated spa area
This sprawling home, which dates to the 16th century, was once part of an agricultural complex belonging to the College of the Compagnia di Jesús.
—Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2025
As Singh walked back to his car, Augustin punched him three times in the head and face, knocking his turban off his head and sending him sprawling backward to the ground, prosecutors said.
—Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
The promise is included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the sprawling budget bill that outlines Trump's economic agenda, which has been amended by Senate lawmakers this week.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 June 2025
From $1,050 for three nights, with a three-night minimum.
Perks: Lots of room, pool, jacuzzi and Turkish bath, dedicated spa area
This sprawling home, which dates to the 16th century, was once part of an agricultural complex belonging to the College of the Compagnia di Jesús.
—Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2025
As Singh walked back to his car, Augustin punched him three times in the head and face, knocking his turban off his head and sending him sprawling backward to the ground, prosecutors said.
—Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
The promise is included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the sprawling budget bill that outlines Trump's economic agenda, which has been amended by Senate lawmakers this week.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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The downgrade to a notch above junk was based on loans extended to countries that have defaulted on their obligations.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
25 June 2025
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Activate Multiple Channels For Maximum Impact True market leadership extends beyond content creation to thoughtful activation across multiple channels.—
Yogesh Shah,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
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The finale episode, written by Lockhart herself, diverged from the book ending, but with good reason.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
25 June 2025
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These totals would diverge from the recent historical norm for Finals Game 7s.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
Verb
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By the end, Ruth sits quietly in her room, waiting as another worker gently pulls a shirt over her head.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2025
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Cameron Young sits alone in sixth place after recovering from a double bogey on the first hole to shoot 5-under 65.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Most significantly, 62% say their responsibilities have expanded significantly beyond their core reporting roles, with 37% reporting layoffs or buyouts at their organizations in the past year.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Hackers over the years have expanded their target list to include cities and municipalities, hospitals, hotels and casinos, as reported by CBS News' 60 Minutes.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Meta’s first glasses, the Ray-Ban Stories, flopped in 2021.—
Ani Freedman,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
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The 2023 2-Year-Old Champion stormed into 2024 with a huge Florida Derby (G1) win before flopping badly in the Kentucky Derby.—
Jared Welch,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Dealing with rage wouldn’t seem the term most applicable to Estévez, who is as amiable and animated as anyone in the Royals’ clubhouse and radiates a room-energizing presence.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
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The panoramic terrace creates visual continuity between interior and exterior, while the club’s signature infinity pool radiates notes of color and joy, like an echo to the location’s musical appeal.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Patio mats can also make the pool more comfortable for lounging, and create a soft base for toddlers or small children to play on.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2025
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While the building is meant as a nod to the land’s agricultural roots, this one is for play rather than work: It’s set up for lounging and dining inside, with a wet bar for mixing up drinks and an outdoor fire pit perfect for making s’mores.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Jacob Beam’s Impact on Bourbon Jacob’s success rested on careful craftsmanship.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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The government is expected to rest its case as early as Monday (June 23), with the defense possibly wrapping up by midweek.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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