the stretch
noun
: the final straight part of a racecourse before the finish line
the horses are in the (final) stretch
—often used figurativelyShe's in the final stretch. The baby's due next month.
They will wind up the season with a winning record having won some crucial games down the stretch.
Examples of the stretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At 44-60 through Sunday, Atlanta is not stocking up on starting pitchers for the stretch run.
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Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Cleveland limited the Royals down the stretch and closer Emmanuel Clase earned his 24th save after blowing a save opportunity in Saturday’s Game 1, which the Royals won 5-3 in 10 innings.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2025
Ramping up his progression means the Dodgers are confident Sasaki will be able to help down the stretch, although there remains no official timetable for a return.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 25 July 2025
McGee Weiss, 39, also is familiar with the stretch of Pompano restaurants.
—Lauren Brensel, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
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Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Cleveland limited the Royals down the stretch and closer Emmanuel Clase earned his 24th save after blowing a save opportunity in Saturday’s Game 1, which the Royals won 5-3 in 10 innings.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2025
Ramping up his progression means the Dodgers are confident Sasaki will be able to help down the stretch, although there remains no official timetable for a return.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 25 July 2025
McGee Weiss, 39, also is familiar with the stretch of Pompano restaurants.
—Lauren Brensel, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
Cite this Entry
“The stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20stretch. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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