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
And while stars are small, the sprawling clouds of gas and dust from which they’re born are not.
—
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 May 2026
The couple raised their children—Andrew, David, and Dylan—in the sprawling duplex, originally designed by Angelo Donghia.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 May 2026
Today, weddings are often sprawling, multiday affairs that power an industry valued around $130 billion, according to a report by United States investment bank Jefferies.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026
While the front of Hathaway's flowing dress featured the image of a hand reaching out to a dove, the back had a stunning painting of the Goddess of Peace sprawling across the black fabric.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 May 2026
The couple raised their children—Andrew, David, and Dylan—in the sprawling duplex, originally designed by Angelo Donghia.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 May 2026
Today, weddings are often sprawling, multiday affairs that power an industry valued around $130 billion, according to a report by United States investment bank Jefferies.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026
While the front of Hathaway's flowing dress featured the image of a hand reaching out to a dove, the back had a stunning painting of the Goddess of Peace sprawling across the black fabric.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Eveningside’s smaller arms holding on to the chains while Morningside’s longer arms propelled them, her fists and excess joints braced against the ground; their span lengthening, extending and retracting in the girls’ to and fro.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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The Lambert, North Oconee and Lake Oconee Academy girls continued to extend their dominance in high school golf, while two other schools earned their first titles as the GHSA championships concluded Tuesday throughout the state.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Both benchmark prices plunged on Monday, but Brent and WTI diverged sharply in early trading on Tuesday.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
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Massie is notably among the few Republicans that diverged from the party line on the matter of the war.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
24 May 2026
Verb
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What's more is that Japan sits much farther south than the regions where auroras are usually visible.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
26 May 2026
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After housing federal agencies for more than a century, the structure eventually sat vacant before Kimpton turned it into a hotel in 2002.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
Verb
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Name the pattern, refine the message, and choose the path that expands your reach.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
26 May 2026
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Ballard wants to expand the technology to other builders.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
Verb
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For all the bright spots on Islands’ state champion soccer team, nothing shone brighter than its golden hairdos flopping around the pitch.—
Jack Leo,
AJC.com,
23 May 2026
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As in most insurance company failures, PHL flopped for several reasons.—
Gretchen Morgenson,
NBC news,
20 May 2026
Verb
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That matters because the gas inside galaxy clusters constantly radiates energy away in X-rays and should gradually cool over time, and scientists suspect energy released by supermassive black holes, known as AGN feedback, helps reheat that gas and prevent runaway cooling.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
20 May 2026
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But while others are outraged on his behalf, and the audience continues to litigate the show’s end, Colbert remains positive and radiates gratitude.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Verb
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If your vacation plans involve anything more active than lounging poolside, these Baleaf travel pants deserve space in your suitcase.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
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Get ready to lounge outside in total comfort with this patio conversation set, designed to seat up to three people.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Hernández will play a mix of infield and a little bit of outfield, giving his teammates a chance to rest.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
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Their owners do sound minded to rest on any laurels, perhaps aware their rivals, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, may all be going through transitional adjustment periods.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
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