1
as in to extend
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
The suburbs sprawl for miles beyond the city's downtown.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stretch (out)
to rest with the arms and legs spread out
There's no feeling like sprawling out on your bed after a hard day's work.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sprawl
The Jenin refugee camp in the north of the West Bank, a sprawling area of narrow alleys that has long been a bastion of militant factions, is front and center of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) latest campaign.
—
Tim Lister and Eugenia Yosef, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Rising seas and powerful storms are endangering the state’s sprawling coastline.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
The 10 executive orders – previewed by incoming White House officials who spoke anonymously before he was set to be sworn in at noon – appear to lay the groundwork for the sprawling crackdown on immigration Trump promised during his campaign.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
But Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, and the recovery effort will likely sprawl for years to come.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sprawl 
Tim Lister and Eugenia Yosef, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Rising seas and powerful storms are endangering the state’s sprawling coastline.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
The 10 executive orders – previewed by incoming White House officials who spoke anonymously before he was set to be sworn in at noon – appear to lay the groundwork for the sprawling crackdown on immigration Trump promised during his campaign.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
But Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, and the recovery effort will likely sprawl for years to come.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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However, unless Congress extends temporary tax relief set to expire at the end of the year, IDR loan forgiveness could go back to being taxable again starting in 2026.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Attempts to make up for this by extending the cooking time may lead to overcooked or dried-out food.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The two friends find their paths diverging in their 30s and the trip takes some unexpected turns, including a chance encounter with a classmate and a bachelor party.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
14 Jan. 2025
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Finally, conflicts can arise when franchisees and franchisors have diverging goals.—
Chelsea Sherlock,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Kate Moss strikes a pose on her way into the Dior Homme show during Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 24. 47 of 120 Runway Romance Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton sit for the Dior Homme show during Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 24.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
26 Jan. 2025
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One Anson County home, for instance, sits within a mile of some 50 barns.—
Gavin Off,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Expanded Direct File Direct File, the IRS' free tax filing program, has expanded to taxpayers in 25 states for 2024 returns, up from 12 in the 2023 season.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
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During the month of January, sky gazers will be able to see four planets in one view — and come February, the parade will only expand.—
Caitlin O'Kane,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Then there is the reverse effect – coaches who have great pressers that ultimately flop.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
28 Jan. 2025
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Then, in another sequence, Mahomes took a pratfall, aka flop.—
Bob Raissman,
New York Daily News,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The galleries are categorized according to three themes — religion, kingship, and society — and divided into historical eras: Predynastic, the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the Late Kingdom, Ptolemaic (Greek) Egypt, and the Roman period.—
Kate McMahon,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Jan. 2025
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Astrology divides the zodiac into elemental groups: Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Each element reflects a distinct set of traits and tendencies.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Their attire and posture radiated an iconic, aristocratic style, exemplified by Vance's wife, who stood elegantly in her rose-pitch dress coat.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
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Today, the Quadrantids appear to radiate from the modern constellation Boötes, located in the northern part of the sky near the Big Dipper.—
Katrina Miller,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Stormy skies and a roiling sea kept us from lounging on beaches or splashing in the water.—
Devon Fredericksen,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
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Think comfy camisole and cute French knickers, the collection is perfect for lounging (or dancing) around your living room in.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near sprawl
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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