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.
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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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sprawls
The €25 million (about $27 million) glass-and-stone residence, part coastal hideaway, part statement about where the island’s luxury market is headed, sprawls across three levels on two hillside plots.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025
Today, Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, which sprawls across the plateau above the white terraces, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that pulls in busloads of visitors.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Inside each camp, sprawls of rickety structures covered with olive-green military tarps housed anywhere from 500 to 3,000 people.
—Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
Its story sprawls more, and its villains are exclusively Brazilians acting against their fellow Brazilians.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
His senior Great Dane, Monroe, sprawls out on the floor between the music and the old pulpit.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
The honor went to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sprawls north of Huesca, Spain.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025
Up a winding staircase (or the home’s elevator), the primary suite sprawls out over the entire upper floor, boasting dual offices, bathrooms, and walk-in closets, plus a fireplace and a private deck.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025
Suites expand into living areas, while the Presidential Suite sprawls across a footprint only a Soviet office block could provide.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025
Today, Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, which sprawls across the plateau above the white terraces, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that pulls in busloads of visitors.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Inside each camp, sprawls of rickety structures covered with olive-green military tarps housed anywhere from 500 to 3,000 people.
—Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
Its story sprawls more, and its villains are exclusively Brazilians acting against their fellow Brazilians.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
His senior Great Dane, Monroe, sprawls out on the floor between the music and the old pulpit.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
The honor went to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sprawls north of Huesca, Spain.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025
Up a winding staircase (or the home’s elevator), the primary suite sprawls out over the entire upper floor, boasting dual offices, bathrooms, and walk-in closets, plus a fireplace and a private deck.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025
Suites expand into living areas, while the Presidential Suite sprawls across a footprint only a Soviet office block could provide.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawls
Verb
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Her win extends Democratic control of the governor’s mansion to a third consecutive term and cements her status as one of the party’s rising national figures.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
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Growing skepticism in American society about the value of multilateralism extends to economic issues.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The garden, bearing the name of Emperor Qianlong, sits next to another popular tourist site inside the museum.—
Fred He,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Either result would greatly help TCU, which sits seventh in the Big 12 standings.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Frankenstein’s ending notably diverges from its source material in several ways.—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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This is where our brand of technical analysis diverges from the purists who focus on price only.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And while much of it rests on tradition, this dish’s combination of crispy skin and tender meat appeals to anyone who loves delicious food.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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The ship now rests in two pieces around 53 miles northwest of Boulder Reef in Lake Michigan.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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This one radiates intrigue without trying, a cool blend of rhubarb, rose, and vetiver that reads sophisticated but spontaneous.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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Replace your traditional table runner with a DIY magnolia garland that radiates seasonal charm.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Short Creek, a community that straddles Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, has endured the brunt of a current measles outbreak.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
2 Nov. 2025
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Six Flags is parent company to Carowinds, the 400-acre amusement park that straddles the border between the Carolinas.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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At one point, Alex comes over to recheck his map and, seeing Rizo attempt to analyze his work, flops over on the puzzle, causing Rizo to pause.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The effortlessly cool shape sits low on the hips, with a shorter inseam that slouches through a subtle, flattering drape.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawls. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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