1
as in expansion
a wide space or area
a narrow stretch of beach below the cliffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in space
an indefinite but usually short period of time
there was a cardinal at our bird feeder for a short stretch last spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
the longest stretch of the drive without any place to get gas
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to try
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
your whining is stretching my patience to the limit
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in flexible
able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted
stretch fabrics that don't wrinkle or sag
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of stretch
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
That narrow stretch right inside your front door.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida/Mississippi — Pristine white-sand barrier islands stretching along the Gulf Coast make this destination ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and wildlife watching.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The researchers, however, did not find meaningful improvements in post-exercise muscle recovery, soreness or tendon mechanical properties (strength, springiness and stretch resistance).
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Noun
The broader market may be cooling, but at the very top, activity remains concentrated, and along a narrow stretch tracing Biscayne Bay, properties trade quietly, often before they are formally listed.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
That narrow stretch right inside your front door.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Even if prosecutors are able to secure indictments, Benza said the timeline could stretch well beyond the current presidential term.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida/Mississippi — Pristine white-sand barrier islands stretching along the Gulf Coast make this destination ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and wildlife watching.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Think press-on nails, sexy stretch denim, and patterned blouses.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The researchers, however, did not find meaningful improvements in post-exercise muscle recovery, soreness or tendon mechanical properties (strength, springiness and stretch resistance).
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretch
Noun
-
The centerpiece of the expansion, which was led by the architects Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with the firm Cooper Robertson, is an atrium that snaps right onto the side of the flagship building.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The Maryland case often is cited as justification for an expansion of DNA collection.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Crews are asking boaters and visitors in the area to give dive teams and emergency vessels space to operate safely as the search continues.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The light, airy space on 53rd Street houses cooler-than-cool home decor items, tech accessories, tabletop design and furniture, jewelry, and accessories.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
SpaceX’s application suggests the company is eyeing the spectrum to incorporate into its satellite-to-phone service, Starlink Mobile, which is already available through T-Mobile.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The political spectrum runs far and wide, and every voice matters.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Inside stood several farmhouses cozily positioned within a comfortable walking distance from one another.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Those questions signaled their belief that anyone occupying that office should maintain their distance from the president and uphold the Justice Department’s independence.—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Slightly shimmering effects reflect light in a subtle way, bringing luminosity without being exaggerated; it can be glazed donut–style chrome, or for a more intense effect try a cat-eye finish.—
Andrea Carbajal,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Bosco’s attorneys argue Shaw was exaggerating the situation.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On their first night in Guangzhou, while Joost was in the private shower attached to their room, Martha pulled her money pouch from the recesses of her pack and counted her traveller’s checks.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
For the Canucks, Nikita Tolopilo was beaten four times on 11 shots before getting pulled early in the second.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
D’Orsay flats lengthen the silhouette with a crisp line, while Mary Janes introduce a contemporary nuance and slingbacks finish off an outfit with polish.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Detention stays are lengthening in part because of the administration's decision last summer to restrict bond hearings in immigration court.—
Martin Kaste,
NPR,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the movie, which was progressive for its time, the trans character attempts suicide after being subjected to emotional and physical abuse by the manipulative Sonny, who tries to make amends by going rogue and stealing money for their surgery.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In March 2021, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tried to have Swalwell removed from the House Intelligence Committee over his contact with Fang, citing the same interactions now at the center of Patel's file review.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stretch. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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