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
Plans for a sprawling Vegas tunnel system eventually call for 68-ish miles of underground glory, with Boring’s pledge to someday, probably, move 90,000 passengers an hour.
—
Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
In a gathering under tents on FIU’s sprawling campus, Sunday’s Grand Tasting is the Florida Extravaganza’s signature event.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
The metro sprawls across two states and multiple counties, each running its own assessment playbook.
—Allison Palmer
updated February 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
To celebrate, a festival was held in the sprawling Elk Grove Regional Park.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
In a gathering under tents on FIU’s sprawling campus, Sunday’s Grand Tasting is the Florida Extravaganza’s signature event.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
The metro sprawls across two states and multiple counties, each running its own assessment playbook.
—Allison Palmer
updated February 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
To celebrate, a festival was held in the sprawling Elk Grove Regional Park.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Taylor Whitehill added 13 points, while Avery Lanore scored 12 and Maddie Schneider scored 11 for the Mustangs, who took control in the first half, outscoring the Pirates 27-17 and extending the advantage in the second half.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
25 Feb. 2026
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The bank was more aggressive in extending credit and slower to liquidate its positions.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Different legal paths Although the four men were swept into the same investigation, their legal histories diverged — a distinction that will likely shape any effort to obtain restitution.—
Tony Plohetski,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
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On the weekly chart, EZA is supported by three rising and diverging moving averages.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The supportive gel cushion is ergonomically designed for home, work and travel, helping reduce pressure on the back, coccyx and hips during long periods of sitting.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Richmond told the student to sit in the desk next to his and would occasionally ask her to sit with him at his own desk, according to prosecutors.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Oseguera was the leader and co-founder of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a criminal group that has rapidly expanded its influence in recent years, becoming one of the main traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US.—
Gonzalo Zegarra,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images Four years of war between Russia and Ukraine are beginning to take their toll on the countries' demographics as the conflict puts women off — or prevents them — from starting or expanding their families.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But the new uniforms flopped spectacularly upon their debut in spring training, with players complaining that the jerseys looked cheap, felt papery and that the names on the back were too small.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
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The Neo is a few blocks from another property that flopped into financial woes.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Olive Nwosu's debut feature radiates a restless, pulsing energy — both through the thrum of Lagos and the courage of its women.—
Teresa Xie,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
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Air isn't as efficient as water or steam for storing and radiating heat.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This Herseas swimsuit is budget friendly, comes in a ton of colors and patterns, and has enough style and support for lounging or doing activities.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Feb. 2026
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Women and men meet downstairs in a large social area where people may lounge on textured leather benches.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Flags for Canada and third-place Finland rested below Old Glory on either side.—
Chris Kudialis,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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They were all laid to rest in a wooden coffin, which was a valuable material in this society.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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