stretch 1 of 3

Definition of stretchnext

stretch

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details it was stretching the truth to say she'd been in the movies: she was once an extra whose scene was cut in the final version

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to pull
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure I stretched a back muscle, and the pain is killing me

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3
as in to lengthen
to make longer the time it would take to fix the car got stretched from three hours to two days when the part we needed had to be ordered

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4
5
as in to tighten
to draw tight if the canvas isn't properly stretched over the frame, there will be sagging over time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stretch

3 of 3

adjective

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 stretch
Noun
The Spurs’ go-to backup guard was awesome in the final two games against the Thunder, and only his injury in Game 1 briefly stalled out what has been a rocket ship to stardom in the closing stretch of the season. John Hollinger, New York Times, 2 June 2026 The slugging component still isn’t fully there during this stretch (three extra-base hits), however, the Cubs continue to believe in Bregman’s track record and his recent adjustments. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Verb
The new material can stretch up to nine times its original length without losing its electrochemical performance. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 Mills are also looking for ways to help stretch denim align closer to their sustainable goals. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
The situation is also an opportunity for NASA to resume the kind of risk-taking that has been lacking to shake the agency out of a post-space-shuttle lethargy and to reignite passions for reaching a stretch goal under deadline pressure. Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 The senior wide receiver led the Bruins out of stretch lines and took a more vocal approach to practice. Gabriel Duarte, Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretch
Noun
  • Meanwhile, many museums are in serious financial straits, reckoning with the fiscal burden of optimistic expansions and unanticipated increases in operating costs.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Much of the space created in the 2013 expansion of the top two stories was devoted to wellness facilities (including a decent-sized pool, a rarity in Geneva hotels).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • Starting a tad later in 2008, SpaceX has managed to shoot 14,844 payloads into space – almost equal to the total of the rest of the world combined.
    David Szondy May 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The video went viral across social media, with a mix of praise and criticism across the political spectrum.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
  • The number of outbreaks falls about in the middle of the spectrum compared to the 2021-2025 seasons, said the CDC.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • These algorithms factor in variables such as a base rate, distance, tolls, surcharges, surge multipliers, booking fees, route adjustments, promotions, time of day, and even the behavior of individual workers and consumers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
  • Rayo exerted some pressure but were largely restricted to shots from distance.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • The companies, meanwhile, say opportunistic lawyers and public adjusters are playing to fears and driving up costs for everyone by exaggerating the risks and damage.
    Jason Henry, Daily News, 31 May 2026
  • The upsell should accelerate or exaggerate the result, the downsell should preserve the win, the bump should be a no-brainer.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Roberts pulled Sasaki with runners on first and second in the sixth.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • Tovar ambushed Kilian’s first offering, pulling a two-run homer over the left-field fence to hand the Giants their fourth straight loss.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Storing in the refrigerator lengthens that time to six to eight months.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
  • As a musician, Holloway’s voice is inseparable from his identity and livelihood, and going on testosterone — which causes the vocal folds to thicken and lengthen, lowering pitch, while also enlarging the larynx — terrified him.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Museums are sincerely trying to connect with their publics (even if these are often cast as consumers), and the horizon for that experiment is almost limitless.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The request alleges Applegate tried to open Carpenter’s front door on May 23.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stretch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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