1
as in extends
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 sits
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 sprawls
The primary suite sprawls over the entire second level and connects to an incredible private terrace overlooking the pool and ocean beyond.
—
Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2024
In New Jersey, some were spotted over the Picatinny Arsenal, an active weapons research and development facility owned by the Army that sprawls across nearly 6,000 acres.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
The studio sprawls across 330 acres of a former Army base in southern Atlanta that Perry acquired in 2015.
—CBS News, 7 Dec. 2024
Oil giant Phillips 66 announced in October that the century-old complex, which sprawls across 650 acres and produces about 8% of the state’s gasoline, would cease operations late next year.
—Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
In one, a gray-haired woman sits, about to darn a sock, in a bookstore aisle; in another, a dazed, shirtless man sprawls on the ground, surrounded by a menacing crew.
—The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2024
The 2,400-acre resort sprawls over 70 charming neighborhoods with over 1,000 vacation rentals just right for Thanksgiving getaways.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2024
Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2024
In New Jersey, some were spotted over the Picatinny Arsenal, an active weapons research and development facility owned by the Army that sprawls across nearly 6,000 acres.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
The studio sprawls across 330 acres of a former Army base in southern Atlanta that Perry acquired in 2015.
—CBS News, 7 Dec. 2024
Oil giant Phillips 66 announced in October that the century-old complex, which sprawls across 650 acres and produces about 8% of the state’s gasoline, would cease operations late next year.
—Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
In one, a gray-haired woman sits, about to darn a sock, in a bookstore aisle; in another, a dazed, shirtless man sprawls on the ground, surrounded by a menacing crew.
—The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2024
The 2,400-acre resort sprawls over 70 charming neighborhoods with over 1,000 vacation rentals just right for Thanksgiving getaways.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawls
Verb
-
Its elegance extends inside of the building to the expansive bridal suite with rooms designated for hair and makeup, and its ballroom for rehearsal dinners.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2025
-
And its dominance extends beyond cars; China also produces more than half the global supply of steel, aluminum, and ships.—
Michael B. G. Froman,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The speaker of the House usually sits behind the vice president.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
6 Jan. 2025
-
In 2010, Dunbar High School was educating more than 1,500 students, but its current enrollment sits at 324 students.—
Ike Muzikowski,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Located 50 minutes away from Rome and perched on ancient hilltops that are 700 meters above sea level, the property rests on eight hectares of land.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
The Role of Leadership in Cybersecurity In today’s business environment, the responsibility for cybersecurity rests squarely with leadership.—
Andrew Hay,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, progress begins locally and radiates outward.—
Claire Foley,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Jan. 2025
-
As the calendar turns its page from 2024 to 2025, the astronomical energy that radiates the cosmos will have a different effect on each of our lives.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
29 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
That building, which opened in 2018, straddles high- and moderate-risk flood zones.—
Lauren Sausser and Holly K. Hacker,
The Tennessean,
30 Dec. 2024
-
Middletown straddles Butler and Warren counties and sits about halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
26 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sprawls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawls. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share