stretch 1 of 4

Definition of stretchnext

stretch

2 of 4

verb (1)

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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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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stretch

3 of 4

adjective

stretch (out)

4 of 4

verb (2)

as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area you can't stretch out your legs to the point where you're blocking the aisle

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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
White spent the bulk of this month rehabilitating with the Hornets’ performance staff ensuring his calf would be able to fully endure the season’s grueling stretch run — which features another West Coast trip — and be available to play in multiple outings in multiple days. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026 Yet sans Carlsson, and also without Troy Terry and Mason McTavish for sizable stretches, the Ducks reeled off seven straight wins and nine of 11 victories overall heading into the break. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
Georgia is home to one of the busiest ports in the country — the Port of Savannah — and a massive logistics and manufacturing footprint stretching from Atlanta's distribution hubs to auto suppliers in West Georgia. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026 On Tuesday, the City Council and independent Boise Public Library Board of Trustees met to work on the project, the latest meeting in an ongoing planning and budgeting process slated to stretch into the summer. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Still, only 31, and there’s never anything wrong with another stretch big man. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 Look for a pair in non-stretch denim that holds its shape and looks almost as polished as a pair of work trousers, with a cooler, more casual spin. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretch
Noun
  • Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images A week after Meta committed to using millions of Nvidia’s processors to power its AI expansion, the social media company has inked another mammoth chip deal, this time with Advanced Micro Devices.
    Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • At the Port Authority Bus Terminal expansion, half a mile uptown, Staller trained his lens on giant tubes of steel rimmed with teeth—core drill sections, frosted with snow, like colossal ziti topped with mozzarella cheese—which a crane was hoisting into place.
    Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The rear seat space appears generous for the segment, and the tray is sized to meet both family and business needs.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Miniature wicker chairs, Beatrix Potter art prints, rocking horses, Fisher Price toys, and a strawberry-print carpet helped transform the space into a joyful wonderland for the two princes.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Equal-time obligations apply to broadcast licensees using public spectrum.
    Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
  • For Colorado families and home buyers, the study stresses the importance of evaluating not just the price tag but also the full spectrum of factors—education, safety, and quality of life.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The workspace on the second floor is well designed, providing a healthy distance from the crowds.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Now, as Diggs’ contract merely clouds their roster-building crystal ball, Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf appear to be keeping their distance.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Zhu explained to one group how a wrap that’s thicker in the center and more flexible around the edges can hold more filling while retaining its shape.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Ideal for older parents, adult children or guests, the flexible plans feature full suites with a living area, kitchenette, separate bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet.
    Pulte Homes, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That changed recently with the completion of new buildings — holding among other accouterments a self-serve kitchen, a library, a cafe and a film studio — and third-floor classrooms that look out over that beautiful blue expanse, long a symbol of freedom and possibility.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Visit the sprawling estates of the island's interior to sip some of the world's best coffee amid the untouched expanses of the Blue Mountains.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Gauna had a double while Moran had a home run and a walk and also scored four runs.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The overall steps could take a while, even as the refunds will certainly be pursued, Perryman said.
    Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There will also be a rotating line up of pop-up vendors selling a range of treats.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Together, top reserves Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic went 2-for-13 from the field and 1-for-7 from 3-point range.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stretch. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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