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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of sprawl
Without these corporate partners, ICE could not carry out violent raids, operate sprawling detention centers, or deport people at scale.
—
Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
The oral arguments Wednesday were the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and books.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Corral your sprawling assortment of salt dishes, small tools, and mise en place bowls with a stoveside tray.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Federal officials unveiled a slew of charges Tuesday against two Coloradans accused of ripping off a program that provides free rides to Medicaid patients, the first criminal charges filed in response to a sprawling fraud bonanza identified by state officials more than two years ago.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
The oral arguments Wednesday were the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and books.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Corral your sprawling assortment of salt dishes, small tools, and mise en place bowls with a stoveside tray.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Federal officials unveiled a slew of charges Tuesday against two Coloradans accused of ripping off a program that provides free rides to Medicaid patients, the first criminal charges filed in response to a sprawling fraud bonanza identified by state officials more than two years ago.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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Kawhi Leonard made two free throws, but the Rockets scored the next four points to extend the lead.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The vote on Tuesday sought to extend previous language that blocked tariff repeal resolutions from getting a vote, which expired at the end of January.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both countries are diverging on trade, too.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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Doege suspects that some neighborhoods will match well between mice and people, while others will diverge.—
Amber Dance,
Quanta Magazine,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Hornets fell to 25-29, which sits them 10th in the conference.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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The remains of a brothel sit opposite the library, and a nearby carving on a paving stone on Curetes Street is believed to be one of the world’s earliest advertisements.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For many schools, that means expanding technical education classes, building partnerships with local businesses, and getting creative with transporting teens — some just on the cusp of learning to drive — to part-time work.—
Carley Lanich,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
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Powered by rapid advances in embodied intelligence, China’s humanoid robots are advancing rapidly, expanding their potential roles in both industrial settings and home environments.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Chiefs flopped in free agency and didn’t act quickly enough in a draft that had running back depth.—
Sam McDowell
February 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
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Baby Briana’s arms twitched and legs flopped against cold concrete.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Scarlet’s final encounter with Claudius radiates with the complicated poignancy expected of real, difficult catharsis.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Infrared heating works by transferring the heat directly to the food which warms up and re-radiates the heat evenly throughout.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another attractive feature is the chair’s subtly oversized seat that’s ideal for lounging or reading.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
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The soft, lightweight fabric is super breathable, maximizing your lounging comfort.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Seahawks used a first-round bye to rest, heal and prepare, and then routed the 49ers in a divisional-round game before beating the Rams, 31-27, to advance to the Super Bowl.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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There have been no such incidents this year, but there has been plenty of on-court drama that only international team tennis — with home and away ties, and a slot just after a Grand Slam that sees many nations’ top stars resting — can provide.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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