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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sprawl
The finished development is billed as revitalization of not just the sprawling sports complex, parts of which have fallen into disrepair, but also of East Oakland — an area of the town where economic activity has dwindled.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
The expectation that audiences would have intimate knowledge of a sprawling multiverse covered in a glut of features and TV series no doubt contributed to the perception of genre fatigue.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025
In Shenzhen, the sprawling metropolis just across the border from Hong Kong, authorities have mandated the conversion of the city’s entire taxi and bus fleets to electric vehicles as far back as 2018.
—Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
For a breezy meal on site, try the sprawling terrace at the museum’s Verde, with waterfront views and excellent fish tacos and pizzas.
—AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
The expectation that audiences would have intimate knowledge of a sprawling multiverse covered in a glut of features and TV series no doubt contributed to the perception of genre fatigue.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025
In Shenzhen, the sprawling metropolis just across the border from Hong Kong, authorities have mandated the conversion of the city’s entire taxi and bus fleets to electric vehicles as far back as 2018.
—Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
For a breezy meal on site, try the sprawling terrace at the museum’s Verde, with waterfront views and excellent fish tacos and pizzas.
—AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
-
From the beginning, Blake knew his responsibility extended far beyond administrative and coaching duties.—
Stephanie Tharpe,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Facing double match point, Bouchard extended the rally, but ultimately her backhand sailed wide, ending the match and her career.—
Lukas Weese,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
European markets closed in mixed territory Wednesday, with sectors diverging as second-quarter earnings season ramped up.—
Ganesh Rao,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
31 July 2025
-
Even beyond infrastructure, the business logic within these systems often diverges.—
Dave Albano,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
Rather than sitting as a borderline postseason contender at the trade deadline, Toronto sits atop the American League and leads the A.L. East by multiple games.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
And the better his offense is, the less reason to sit him.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
The plan laid out in Tuesday’s staff report proposed a ballot measure that would expand protections for thousands of acres of open space across Irvine.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
26 July 2025
-
The 8000 was born after the engineers at GE Aerospace reconfigured the Passport’s software and McCullough’s team expanded the fuel capacity in the wings.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
The analysis does point out some elements of the arrangement that could prove to be problematic for San Diego taxpayers if the project flops.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 July 2025
-
Lastly, the charge port for the gearbox is on the end of a wire that just flops around in an annoying and unsightly fashion.—
Eric Bangeman,
ArsTechnica,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Nara's more recent paintings, such as Midnight Tears (2023), feature tender, fragmented brushwork that radiates introspection.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Their vocal harmonies intertwine easily over a textured arrangement of keys, bass, drums, and guitars, creating an uplifting summer anthem that radiates sincerity and charm.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
Whether your plans for the season involve lounging poolside or simply spending more time socializing on your newly furnished patio, outdoor bar carts are ready to roll for an at-home happy hour at impromptu times.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
1 Aug. 2025
-
His own big dogs get a walk every day but then are content lounging around and following him from room to room.—
Jen Reeder,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share