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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of sprawl
Aviation enthusiasts may be well aware of Oregon’s sprawling network of residential airparks, small communities with private airstrips and hangars.
—
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Costner’s gamble was among the reasons financing for the sprawling story didn’t come from a major studio (Warner Bros. is distributing the film for a fee) but from himself and a group of investors.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
In 2021, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. questioned how presidents have implemented the Antiquities Act to designate sprawling monuments and signaled the court might revisit the law in a future case.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Over years of reading outdoors—seated on a park bench, sprawled on a beach blanket—I’ve come to see reading as an experience that, rather than offering an escape from my surroundings, in fact supplements my appreciation of the setting.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Costner’s gamble was among the reasons financing for the sprawling story didn’t come from a major studio (Warner Bros. is distributing the film for a fee) but from himself and a group of investors.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
In 2021, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. questioned how presidents have implemented the Antiquities Act to designate sprawling monuments and signaled the court might revisit the law in a future case.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Over years of reading outdoors—seated on a park bench, sprawled on a beach blanket—I’ve come to see reading as an experience that, rather than offering an escape from my surroundings, in fact supplements my appreciation of the setting.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Often complete with a heel that signified status, the riding-style leather boots could be extended fully, reaching the upper thighs, or folded down into cuffs.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
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Getting that confirmation extends Joel and Ellie’s conversation from a roughly four-and-a-half-minute cutscene to almost an eight-minute scene in the HBO series.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Polling shows that Americans generally oppose the idea of reparations, though views diverge among racial groups.—
Laurel Rosenhall,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
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Is this a valuation issue where the price and the fundamentals are diverging?—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
15 May 2025
Verb
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On the island of Saint Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, sits a property that truly knows how to put on a show.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
14 May 2025
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This both adds a little natural light, while the extra headroom offered allows Kelly to sit comfortably upright on the toilet.—
Adam Williams
May 14,
New Atlas,
14 May 2025
Verb
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This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
16 May 2025
Verb
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So Oettinger, out of sheer desperation, flopped to his right, awkwardly because his right foot sort of got caught under him, and swatted the puck down with two hands.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
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Last night’s after-party offered an inclusive and welcoming environment, where folks flopped on an array of comfy sofas to take a break from dancing. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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On our trip to Greenville, Victor stopped at a road that divides two burial grounds in town.—
Erika Hayasaki,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
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What's Next Breastfeeding often divides public opinion, and will likely spark similar debates online in the future.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Such data centers, ideally, would be powered by solar panels and be able to radiate heat into the vacuum of space.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
9 May 2025
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After nearly two decades in the spotlight, Julianne Hough still radiates an energy that can only be described as electric.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Expect loafers, sandals, and football boots, all designed to evoke the spirit of travel—whether that’s lounging poolside or exploring city streets.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
9 May 2025
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Hollies No one wants to run into a spiky holly bush while lounging in a bathing suit.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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