1
2
as in to span
to be on both sides of (something)
The town straddles the river. The movie straddles the line between comedy and drama.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in to shake
to agree with or seem to agree with two opposite sides of (something)
The politician straddled the issue for weeks.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straddle
The gulf between their two worlds is wide, and Jude straddles it with wide-ranging intellect and his characteristic impish wit, while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about the lengths to which a mother will go for love.
—
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
Some applicants straddle the line between new and old, offering fresh perspectives without being unfamiliar with the players or the game.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Throughout much of his career, Bruno Mars has straddled the line between pop and R&B.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
That result isn’t surprising given that the seat, which straddles Orange and Riverside counties, was designed last year, in part, to syphon Republican voters away from other congressional districts.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for straddle
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
Some applicants straddle the line between new and old, offering fresh perspectives without being unfamiliar with the players or the game.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Throughout much of his career, Bruno Mars has straddled the line between pop and R&B.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
That result isn’t surprising given that the seat, which straddles Orange and Riverside counties, was designed last year, in part, to syphon Republican voters away from other congressional districts.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for straddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straddle
Verb
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Under New York law, climbing a traffic-light pole or perching on its crossbars is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
14 June 2026
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The couple’s 1-year-old daughter, Frances Bean, perched on Love’s hip, outfitted in a pastel onesie.—
Quinn Moreland,
Pitchfork,
14 June 2026
Verb
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The suspects spanned the country, living in states including Missouri, Ohio and California.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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Charlotte’s news cycle so far this week spans a major banking leadership change, a high-stakes mayoral selection and the close of a chapter at a brand-new high school.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Canada’s first-ever World Cup win was overshadowed yesterday when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left teammates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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In a major rupture, strong shaking could cause severe damage near the fault and in areas built on soft or water-saturated soils, which can amplify shaking.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
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The bio-pool, which sits alongside some of the villas, is treated solely with aquatic plants, excluding the use of chemicals.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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For an East Coast alternative, SoJo Spa Club in New Jersey sits a 25-minute bus ride from New York’s Port Authority and offers thermal pools, a Korean bath house, a volcanic sand bath and saunas.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Bars, neighborhoods, and community spaces became more than places to socialize, but also places where activism, organizing, and support often intersected.—
Darius Johnson,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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Each film will center on a different member of the Beatles’ point of view, intersecting to capture the band’s improbable journey from Liverpool to the center of global culture, culminating in their 1970 breakup.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Otherwise, Makar will be wincing through pain trying to explain the unfathomable, Blackwood will be dropping F-bombs in disbelief and MacKinnon will be ducking reporters despite being the team’s best player.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
11 June 2026
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Aguirre’s refusal to duck a fight, even when facing imposing odds against him, is evident in his decision to return a third time to lead Mexico in a World Cup.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Verb
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His career essentially bestrides the slow-to-grow Before Times and the apparent soccer paradise of today, which was fortified by remarkable facilities, boosted by an ideal central location and forged by an eagerly welcoming host city that slugged above its weight to make this happen.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Lone Star State is already a literal powerhouse that bestrides domestic energy production.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The burial ceremony will comprise of a two-day farewell to the slain former leader in Tehran and a funeral procession through the capital.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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The pictures from this trip would comprise his first exhibition at the Underground Gallery in New York in 1963.—
Ivan Shaw,
Vogue,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straddle. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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