Synonyms of sprawling

sprawling

verb

present participle of sprawl

1

as in extending

to extend outwards from or as if from a central point

The suburbs sprawl for miles beyond the city's downtown.

Related Words

• extending
• diverging
• expanding
• radiating
• dividing
• branching
• scattering
• spreading (out)
• splaying
• increasing
• parting
• proliferating
• swelling
• fanning (out)
• separating
• rising
• mushrooming
• dispersing
• escalating
• climbing
• mounting
• enlarging
• multiplying
• forking
• diffusing
• dispensing
• rolling up
• snowballing
• raying
• dissipating
• waxing
• sowing
• gaining

Dissimilar Words

• containing
• limiting
• restricting
• contracting
• diminishing
• decreasing
• dwindling
• focusing
• receding
• waning
• converging
• lessening
• meeting
• joining
• concentrating
• funneling

2

as in sitting

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

• sitting
• flopping
• straddling
• spreading (out)
• stretching (out)
• squatting
• lounging
• resting
• relaxing
• slouching
• reclining
• plopping
• setting
• lying back
• plunking
• lolling
• basking
• plumping
• reposing
• planking
• flumping
• kicking back
• perching
• opening
• expanding
• unfurling
• splaying
• unfolding
• extending
• flaring (out)
• fanning (out)
• outstretching
• outspreading

Dissimilar Words

• standing
• rising
• arising
• getting up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sprawling

The sprawling business model that competitors once envied had become a liability—unwieldy, capital-intensive, and increasingly unable to compete in focused, fast-moving markets. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 July 2026

While other dining halls remain open, the installation's sprawling footprint can make traveling across the base difficult. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 23 July 2026

On the 572nd Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including a breakdown of two very wealthy families that have sprawling sports ownership portfolios. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Evan, CharlotteFive’s food writer, built a sprawling guide to eating and drinking your way through Charlotte. — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

There, she is taken in by the sprawling Walter family, consisting of seven sons and one daughter. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026

News reporting about the new plane’s security deficiencies angered the president and triggered a sprawling leak investigation. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

The sprawling adaptation of Homer’s epic is the first-ever movie shot entirely on Imax film cameras. — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 16 July 2026

Whether in rural towns or sprawling cities, activists who can mobilize citizens to flood council meetings and hold picket signs are finding success. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 July 2026