spread (out)

verb

Definition of spread (out)next
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area let's spread the puzzle out on the floor and see what we've got

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spread (out)
  1. expand
  2. extend
  3. open
  4. unfold
Verb
  • The agreement with Kyoto Fusioneering will expand existing work on next-generation gyrotrons — devices that generate high-power microwaves used to heat the plasma.
    — Ian King, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Guests celebrating special occasions or those just living the good life can choose the Ritz-Carlton Suite, which offers spacious living, ocean views, and can be further expanded.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Agencies should extend eligibility windows for career development awards, and universities should adjust promotion timelines and protect trainees.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The upscale vibe extends to chic beachfront cafés, refined cocktail lounges, boutique retailers, and galleries featuring local designers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of extend
Verb
  • The red-roofed, Victorian-era property has attracted many celebrities—Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Oprah, to name a few—since opening its doors in 1888.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The group also operates Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The Story of Mi Cariño and is opening Italian restaurant Lady Funari soon.
    — Evan Moore November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of open
Verb
  • The Associated Press attended both services as the dramatic split-screen unfolded.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The emergency appeal to the high court came in the fast-moving legal battle unfolding in the run-up to Tuesday's elections.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of unfold
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.

Browse Nearby Words

spreading (out)
spread (out)
spreads
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spread (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spread%20%28out%29. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
speech-bubble-untangle
Simplify The Convoluted Expression Quiz A quiz that’s as “uncomplicated as a round de...
See All