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
The sprawling conflict, which started when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, is not expected to have a major effect on the March employment numbers.
—
Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
The investigation is sprawling, according to sources.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Becerra pointed to his experiences leading the sprawling federal health agency during the Biden administration, including dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the wildfires that devastated Maui, Hawaii, avian flu and mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
That sprawling estate was developed by casino mogul Steve Wynn, with about 12,600 square feet, seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and roughly 210 feet of private beachfront.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
The investigation is sprawling, according to sources.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Becerra pointed to his experiences leading the sprawling federal health agency during the Biden administration, including dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the wildfires that devastated Maui, Hawaii, avian flu and mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
That sprawling estate was developed by casino mogul Steve Wynn, with about 12,600 square feet, seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and roughly 210 feet of private beachfront.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Edwards extended his hit streak to five games during Tuesday evening’s 9-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox, going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Eighth-grader Ella Parece dealt a complete-game shutout, pairing with a two-RBI performance from Bella Bourque to help Taunton (2-0) extend its win streak to 58 games with a 5-0 Hockomock League victory over Attleboro.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Eastern and western ancestries in Karelian Mesolithic dogs suggest that two lineages diverged during the Paleolithic.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
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The survey demonstrated residents had diverging views on what McCarty’s ballot measure hoped to address.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These learnings now sit at the foundation of the Buahan concept and not only ensure that the hotel leaves a positive impact on the community, but also provide guests a level of immersion into the Balinese way of life that few other hotels of this caliber have managed to deliver.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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Presidential libraries are one of the few ways sitting presidents can solicit foreign donations — without ever having to disclose their donors.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With the 2026 midterms approaching, sustained voter unease could reshape the broader electoral map and complicate Republican efforts to hold or expand their congressional margins.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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But the department is looking to expand its authority.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Why Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis initially flopped.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
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After beating Atlanta last Friday without Jaylen Brown and Charlotte on Sunday without Brown and Derrick White, Boston flopped in a rematch with the Hawks, losing 112-102 without a crew of contributors headlined by a resting Jayson Tatum.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Administrator Crystal Ruth switches on dozens of heat lamps that radiate a yellow hue to warm at least 80 disabled, abandoned or formerly abused animals that call the rescue home.—
Julian Camejo,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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In the following months, painful shocks radiated through her chest and back.—
Brett Kelman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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So does the bar and lounge Peacock Alley.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Margot has raked in the coin in her successful career, and a simple clean offing of one on whom no love is lost can ensure Tony will enjoy years of lounging with lots of savory bourbon by his side.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After beating Atlanta last Friday without Jaylen Brown and Charlotte on Sunday without Brown and Derrick White, Boston flopped in a rematch with the Hawks, losing 112-102 without a crew of contributors headlined by a resting Jayson Tatum.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The project has dragged on for four years, and Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder of a farmworker advocacy group called ALAS, said the problem at 555 Kelly rests at the local level.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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