1
as in extends
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 sits
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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Recent Examples of sprawls
The spa itself sprawls 64,000 square feet and has a cluster of treatment pavilions, fitness centers, and outdoor pools where hydrotherapy sessions are performed (my partner turned to jelly after a particularly effective water shiatsu session).
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
According to the European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS), at least 99 people have died since October 2025, mostly in the Alps — the mountain range that serves as the continent’s skiing hub and sprawls across several countries including France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The metro sprawls across two states and multiple counties, each running its own assessment playbook.
—Allison Palmer
updated February 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Seating sprawls out openly from the bar and music is kept low, all efforts to encourage conversation and communion among neighbors and guests.
—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
There are five bedrooms in all, one on the garden level that is well-suited to guests or staff, while the primary suite sprawls over an entire floor with a sitting room, two dressing rooms, and a private terrace.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
The covered outdoor seating sprawls across multiple patios and bars, and there’s even some tables on the docks themselves.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
The neighborhood sprawls for many blocks, a world apart from the skyscrapers of downtown.
—John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Kansas City sprawls between two states and what seems like countless municipalities.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
According to the European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS), at least 99 people have died since October 2025, mostly in the Alps — the mountain range that serves as the continent’s skiing hub and sprawls across several countries including France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The metro sprawls across two states and multiple counties, each running its own assessment playbook.
—Allison Palmer
updated February 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Seating sprawls out openly from the bar and music is kept low, all efforts to encourage conversation and communion among neighbors and guests.
—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
There are five bedrooms in all, one on the garden level that is well-suited to guests or staff, while the primary suite sprawls over an entire floor with a sitting room, two dressing rooms, and a private terrace.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
The covered outdoor seating sprawls across multiple patios and bars, and there’s even some tables on the docks themselves.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
The neighborhood sprawls for many blocks, a world apart from the skyscrapers of downtown.
—John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Kansas City sprawls between two states and what seems like countless municipalities.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawls
Verb
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This participatory element extends the exhibition beyond visual engagement, emphasizing process over permanence.—
Olga Garcia-Mayoral,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Warren junior second baseman Lauren Jaronik agrees that Meno’s influence extends beyond her hitting and fielding.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The new school sits beside Star Middle School on Pollard Lane, something that has raised concerns from nearby residents about traffic congestion.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Coby White plays, Grant Williams sits When the injury report came out not long before tipoff, signaling who Charles Lee had available, one key name was missing while another was expected.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Where the story diverges is the way New Edition combined hip-hop, R&B, and old-school doo-wop to create new jack swing.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
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This, fundamentally, is where our understanding of body and dance diverges from Rodin’s.—
Li Qi,
Artforum,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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And America’s constitutional system, unlike Russia’s, rests on consent of the governed.—
Jason Willick,
Washington Post,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His playing radiates warmth and emotion, capable of moving listeners to tears or filling a room with heartfelt passion.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Among the most notable is Teatro del Bíobío, a performing arts venue in the city of Concepción that, by night, radiates warm light through a semi-translucent facade like a paper lantern.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With her eyes closed, Frenza straddles a huge felled tree covered in moss.—
Agnieszka Szpila,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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Their latest batch of farewell dates includes yet more double-headers with the B-52’s—bringing last year’s North American co-headline run to the United Kingdom—as well as another trek across North America that straddles their Coachella appearances in April.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Fortunately for shareholders, the stock grants come with a feature similar to equity options that somewhat reduces Musk’s payday, especially in a case like the one above where the plan flops.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 Nov. 2025
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Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The effortlessly cool shape sits low on the hips, with a shorter inseam that slouches through a subtle, flattering drape.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sprawls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawls. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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