as in to spread
to cause to move outward and apart
He sat with his legs splayed apart. She splayed her fingers to show off her manicure.
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Recent Examples of splay
At two months old, he's splayed across her body, fast asleep, while other lambs walk over to sniff the lamb and human, as though wondering what's going on.
—
William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Their music splayed Ayers’ pillowy vibraphone tones across languid jazz-funk grooves that formed the bedrock for neo-soul—and, through sampling, much of West Coast hip-hop—to come.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2025
Furthermore, bare-root specimens will establish more quickly since their roots are splayed out when planting and can easily find their way.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025
In one TikTok video, the pooch is splayed out on her back getting a belly rub, living her best life on Earle’s plush bed.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for splay
William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Their music splayed Ayers’ pillowy vibraphone tones across languid jazz-funk grooves that formed the bedrock for neo-soul—and, through sampling, much of West Coast hip-hop—to come.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2025
Furthermore, bare-root specimens will establish more quickly since their roots are splayed out when planting and can easily find their way.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025
In one TikTok video, the pooch is splayed out on her back getting a belly rub, living her best life on Earle’s plush bed.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for splay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splay
Verb
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Research has consistently singled out the powerful role social media plays in fomenting and spreading antisemitism.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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Initial Planting Dig planting holes twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep to give roots room to spread and establish easily in the surrounding soil.—
Debbie Wolfe,
Popular Science,
8 May 2025
Verb
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The pair confirmed their relationship on Instagram in October 2020, but appeared to have split sometime in 2021.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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In the short term, the Red Sox will split playing time at first base between utility man Romy González and infielder Abraham Toro, who was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Splay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splay. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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