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.
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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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sprawl
Much like her life, Hansford's office is a juxtaposition of dog figurines and case files sprawled over the desk and onto the floor.
—
Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025
Heading up the wooden stairs, the upper deck centers around a sprawling multipurpose space that can be used as a dining area, media room, or playroom.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
The man’s video is one of many of longform advertisements produced by The Agora and its sprawling conglomerate of subsidiaries, which have spent decades cashing in on Americans’ growing distrust in government, financial institutions and healthcare providers.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
But the sprawling union, encompassing every member of every current roster, is not a monolith.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025
Heading up the wooden stairs, the upper deck centers around a sprawling multipurpose space that can be used as a dining area, media room, or playroom.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
The man’s video is one of many of longform advertisements produced by The Agora and its sprawling conglomerate of subsidiaries, which have spent decades cashing in on Americans’ growing distrust in government, financial institutions and healthcare providers.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
But the sprawling union, encompassing every member of every current roster, is not a monolith.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Minor-league report • Triple-A Louisville (37-50): OF Blake Dunn extended his on-base streak to 28 games with two hits in Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
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The implications of the Democrats’ current predicament extend far beyond immediate legislative setbacks.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
7 July 2025
Verb
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His stance diverged from both Pentagon climate policy in previous administrations and the department's own research.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
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Political leaders and business owners on the call were in consensus about the need for easier access to work visas, but diverged on the question of citizenship.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
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While the national average sits comfortably around $3.00 per gallon, Californians routinely pay far more.—
Melissa Melendez,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
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Just over 10 years after announcing their divorce, the A-list exes were pictured sitting front row with their two youngest children during the Boston Red Sox's winning game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 11.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Although the company is actively adapting—expanding into energy storage, changing billing models, and tweaking its supply chain—investors continue to be concerned about the pace and effectiveness of these strategic adjustments.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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To expand its financial services sector, the BVI is developing an International Arbitration Center, positioning itself as a premier destination for international dispute resolution.—
Panorama Media Ltd,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Some species will flop over when grown in rich soils.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 July 2025
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Staking helps protect tall or large-flowered dahlias from breakage and flopping over, especially after rain or strong wind.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2025
Verb
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The immense gravity of these central black holes generates huge amounts of friction in the accretion disk, which becomes very hot and radiates energy strongly, especially in ultraviolet wavelengths.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
9 July 2025
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Juliana Ross hopes to amplify LGBTQ+ voices Julian (Juliana) Ross found his calling in elementary school, drawn to the confidence and beauty that drag queens radiated.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Days spent lounging on the beach are typically followed by oceanside drinks and dancing at the lively, unpretentious Paddy’s Beach Club or the Windjammer Surf Bar.—
Bob Curley,
AFAR Media,
8 July 2025
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In early June, Bieber posted a cute snap of himself lounging with his feet up as his son held onto his leg.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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In the photo, Spieth and his children's hands can be seen touching the little one, who is resting while wearing a blue onesie with trucks printed on it.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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After taking a little extra time to rest up, the three-time Grammy winner kicked off her Las Vegas residency with a bang on Friday night.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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