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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
The implications of the Democrats’ current predicament extend far beyond immediate legislative setbacks.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
7 July 2025
-
Given the dominance of their major predator, the wolf, in mountainous and forested regions of the north, the coyote found its niche in the grasslands and deserts of North America east of the Mississippi to the Pacific and extending south into Mexico.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
His stance diverged from both Pentagon climate policy in previous administrations and the department's own research.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
-
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
-
Companies like Paxos and Anchorage sit right in the middle of the exchange to custody the stablecoins and then allow Visa to send a fiat currency payment.—
Steven Dudash,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
But former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell came up to sit next to her.—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Weeks later, the BBC expanded Frediani’s empire to include News at One.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
-
The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Some species will flop over when grown in rich soils.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 July 2025
-
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
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Two crates full of Sam’s Club water bottles resting in ice baths sit beneath them.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
-
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.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share