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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Minor-league report • Triple-A Louisville (37-50): OF Blake Dunn extended his on-base streak to 28 games with two hits in Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
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That pause was set to expire Wednesday, before Leavitt announced that Trump would extend it by more than three weeks.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Verb
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His stance diverged from both Pentagon climate policy in previous administrations and the department's own research.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
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Political leaders and business owners on the call were in consensus about the need for easier access to work visas, but diverged on the question of citizenship.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
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But former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell came up to sit next to her.—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
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When the outdoor cooling station opened on Friday, White drove by to find no chairs for people to sit and no signage letting people know the cooling station was there.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
Verb
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With Neptune entering Aries on the 30th, your vision for the future is starting to expand.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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Environmental concerns have long hampered plans to expand the airport, as efforts to preserve the marshlands, which are a crucial source of freshwater for South Florida, have routinely clashed with business interests.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Staking helps protect tall or large-flowered dahlias from breakage and flopping over, especially after rain or strong wind.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2025
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Some species will flop over when grown in rich soils.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 July 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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Days spent lounging on the beach are typically followed by oceanside drinks and dancing at the lively, unpretentious Paddy’s Beach Club or the Windjammer Surf Bar.—
Bob Curley,
AFAR Media,
8 July 2025
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In early June, Bieber posted a cute snap of himself lounging with his feet up as his son held onto his leg.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Two crates full of Sam’s Club water bottles resting in ice baths sit beneath them.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
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The courthouse in Alpine is lined with fixtures that mitigates light pollution, murals off that city's main thoroughfare depict wildlife resting in the comfort of a dark sky.—
Carlos Morales,
NPR,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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