1
as in to extend
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area the dog had outstretched his legs and was lying across the width of the doorway

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2
as in to lengthen
to make longer having outstretched our lunch break beyond all reason, we reluctantly headed back to work

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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 outstretch And that’s Bell jogging in to score the winning run with both arms outstretched over his head to give the Diamondbacks their only world championship. Paul Gattis | [email protected], al, 10 Jan. 2020 As Congress applauded the line, Pelosi stood, outstretched her arms, and clapped slowly and deliberately, as if the clap was more in jest than sincerity. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2019 While kicking around a soccer ball, the little princess took a few breaks to balance on one leg with her arms outstretched above her head. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, 26 Nov. 2019 While kicking around a soccer ball, the little princess took a few breaks to balance on one leg with her arms outstretched above her head. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, 26 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for outstretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstretch
Verb
  • The consequences extend far beyond teachers themselves; students suffer the most.
    Lakeisha Wells Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • The Pacers finally broke open a close game by opening the second half on a 9-0 run, then extended their lead to 78-63 courtesy of three straight 3-pointers — two from Thomas Bryant and one from Andrew Nembhard.
    Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Their work emphasizes that with lengthening lifespans, Americans will face multiple career transitions and need continual skill renewal.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Listen to this article CARLSBAD — Dianna Lee settled over a 4-foot put on the 18th green in the lengthening shadows Wednesday evening at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s North Course.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Now in its fourth year, Bleak Week is expanding across the country — and, via the Prince Charles Cinema, across the pond to London — to hold screenings at 11 venues in eight cities.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
  • Blockchain, once synonymous with cryptocurrency, is expanding into areas like secure transactions and transparent supply chains.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The Mackenzie River Delta is a maze of lakes and waterways stretching hundreds of square miles.
    Gavin John, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • For your people who come to the office, organize the workspace to make standing, stretching, or walking easy to do.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • O’Sullivan went to his ace to open the regional with his freshman jitters behind him.
    Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
  • Building staff members have key cards to open the bins, which are emptied three times per week.
    Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • In the past 12 months alone, revenue increased 8.1% from $372 billion to $400 billion.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • These stressors seem to be taking a toll; measurements show anxiety and sleep deprivation among adolescents are rising, and even teen suicide attempts are increasing.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstretch. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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