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
In the sprawling home of my great-uncle, who spent many years as a sales representative for Harper & Row—before it was absorbed into HarperCollins, now my own publisher—and the duplex townhouses of my grandparents.
—
Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Night 2 of Jeezy’s residency had a masquerade theme, with the star and his sprawling band of classical musicians — comprised of members of The Color of Noize Orchestra — performing a program of original music composed by Derrick Hodge with musical direction from Adam Blackstone.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
Lee shared that for Kokuho, a few of the kabuki scenes had around 500 extras on set — a sprawling operation.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025
From the couple’s iconic Lake Como villa in Italy to a sprawling French country estate, a chic property along the River Thames in England, and multiple residences in New York City and Kentucky, the Clooneys have curated a truly global real estate portfolio worthy of their A-list status.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Night 2 of Jeezy’s residency had a masquerade theme, with the star and his sprawling band of classical musicians — comprised of members of The Color of Noize Orchestra — performing a program of original music composed by Derrick Hodge with musical direction from Adam Blackstone.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
Lee shared that for Kokuho, a few of the kabuki scenes had around 500 extras on set — a sprawling operation.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025
From the couple’s iconic Lake Como villa in Italy to a sprawling French country estate, a chic property along the River Thames in England, and multiple residences in New York City and Kentucky, the Clooneys have curated a truly global real estate portfolio worthy of their A-list status.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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In a live video, Khan indicated that there is a rich history with the National Championship, extending back to the days of Georgia Wrestling, which Schiavone was associated with.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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This was a serious favor to extend to the son of an old friend, to take me from nowhere and propel me to the middle of that whole game.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Consider a night out with friends, and the diverging consequences of buying a round of shots versus opening up Instagram.—
Dan Brooks,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
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Now, among residents aged 15 to 49, those rates are about 5% higher, a pattern that began diverging in the 2000s and has steadily widened.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Middle managers sit at the heart of AI adoption.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
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More than that, Rini is an entry point to beauty for the children who sit and watch and wonder what that cream or mask is that their mom is putting on her face.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In addition to WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its robotaxi offerings through its Apollo Go vehicles.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Lawrence has been open in past interviews about needing to take a two year break from Hollywood after making 16 movies in six years, a string of which flopped at the box office and only inflamed the public’s negative reception of her.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025
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The flowers are the best, even if the leaves are lame and flop over.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The meteors—the flashes and streaks of light—appear to radiate from the constellation Taurus.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
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Do this in the early evening while there's still daylight and the ground is radiating heat.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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People looking to indulge in the lap of luxury for the day can lounge at hotel pools without a stay and now, day passes for hotel spas are becoming more common.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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The penthouse’s terraces, designed in collaboration with Gunn Landscape Architecture, offer distinct spaces for lounging and dining with a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Coverage decisions ultimately rest not with the White House, but with the states.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
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In the video, the mako shark bursts from the water and lands on the bow of the boat, flopping around before coming to rest near the front of the vessel.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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