STRETCHING Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

stretching 1 of 2

noun

Definition of stretching next

as in extension

the act of making longer excessive stretching can cause the fabric to tear or lose its elasticity

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as in exaggeration

the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts your constant stretching of the truth is going to get you in trouble someday

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stretching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of stretch

as in exaggerating

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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as in pulling

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

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as in lengthening

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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as in trying

to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress your whining is stretching my patience to the limit

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as in tightening

to draw tight if the canvas isn't properly stretched over the frame, there will be sagging over time

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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 stretching

Noun

Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, haunted armor and stretching room portraits, according to the concept art. —

Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 2 June 2026 The first happens in accordance with the Earth’s rotation, the second will be healed with stretching and Ibuprofen, and the third is simply a fact of life and the passage of time. —

Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 May 2026 Michael Fredericson, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Stanford University and director of PM&R Sports Medicine in the university’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, said recovery time and stretching are essential for athletes of all ages, but especially older adults. —

Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 Drawing heavily from imagery captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, Zelinskie's visuals, projected on a wall of the gallery, shifted through wavelengths of light to simulate the astronomical phenomenon of redshift — the stretching of light across space and time. —

Steve Spaleta, Space.com, 26 May 2026 The room is outfitted with a NordicTrack Treadmill, Peloton Bikeand a Forme Workout Mirror, as well as yoga mats for pre- or post-workout stretching. —

Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 To add some movement to your day-to-day, consider walking, light stretching, or even active chores like gardening. —

Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 14 May 2026 With cottages in the Malibu mountains and a stone mansion in Hudson Valley, The Ranch combines early mornings, long mountain hikes and strength training with yoga and stretching. —

Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026 Find ways to relax before bed, such as reading, stretching, meditating, or listening to music. —

Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026

Verb

Even five minutes of slower breathing, stepping outside for sunlight, stretching or taking a short walk can help your body transition more smoothly into the day. —

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, CNBC, 4 June 2026 The top viewpoint is Monte Gelbison, which on clear days offers views stretching as far as the island of Stromboli. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026 The wells would extend roughly five miles underground, stretching beneath parts of Erie. —

Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 3 June 2026 Assembly District 66 Four Democrats were competing for the seat, which includes many South Bay communities, stretching from El Segundo and Manhattan Beach southward through Torrance and San Pedro. —

Ryan Carter, Daily News, 3 June 2026 Take a short drive to the beach or Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, stretching across 1,750 acres with numerous hiking trails. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 June 2 is this year’s single busiest day of primaries so far, stretching across the country. —

David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 June 2026 Escaping to the rugged west coast is one option, but another is to head down the coast to this long sandy beach resort stretching between Can Pastilla and S'Arenal. —

Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 June 2026 The year 1994 will be remembered for many things, but one that will forever stand out is the strike by the players that lasted nearly eight months, stretching into 1995 and causing the cancellation of the 1994 postseason, including the World Series. —

Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretching

Noun

The second extension lapsed on May 27 without a formal objection filed.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 3 June 2026
Selfie sticks For the safety and comfort of all guests, guests may only bring selfie sticks, handheld extension poles and tripods no longer than 18 inches on board, for use in most areas.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 June 2026