1
as in to perch
to be in or move into a seated or standing position with your legs on either side of (something)
She straddled the horse and waited for her riding partner to mount.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to span
to be on both sides of (something)
The town straddles the river. The movie straddles the line between comedy and drama.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to agree with or seem to agree with two opposite sides of (something)
The politician straddled the issue for weeks.
Synonyms & Similar 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 straddle
Death Valley National Park straddles the California–Nevada border.
—
Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025
Brian Calder’s life and family have always straddled the 49th Parallel — the line on the map that divides much of the United States from Canada.
—Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
In March, new border-security rules altered Canadians’ longstanding access to a library straddling the Vermont-Quebec border.
—Riley Robinson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025
The 400-acre amusement park that straddles the border of North and South Carolina in Charlotte and Fort Mill, S.C., also has two additions opening in the children’s area of the park.
—Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for straddle
Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025
Brian Calder’s life and family have always straddled the 49th Parallel — the line on the map that divides much of the United States from Canada.
—Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
In March, new border-security rules altered Canadians’ longstanding access to a library straddling the Vermont-Quebec border.
—Riley Robinson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025
The 400-acre amusement park that straddles the border of North and South Carolina in Charlotte and Fort Mill, S.C., also has two additions opening in the children’s area of the park.
—Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for straddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straddle
Verb
-
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough can usually be seen perched atop the Senate dais, helping to make sure the Senate floor runs according to the rules.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
3 June 2025
-
Hikers will also have the chance to lounge and swim from two beaches, Mosquito Beach, which is flanked by sandstone cliffs, and Chapel Beach, which sits at the mouth of Chapel River with a view of Chapel Rock, a sandstone arch with a solitary pine tree perched on its expanse.—
Graham Averill,
Outside Online,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The facility spans nearly 500 acres and supports around 4,000 personnel — a mix of U.S. and allied military and civilian staff.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
7 June 2025
-
The quiet yet luxurious hue spans room sizes and design styles, yet is subtle enough to serve as a neutral while adding a hint of color.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Carnal, with care – Jis shook the bedrock of the cordial, conservative Guadalajara community with filth, camp and candor.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
9 June 2025
-
Some shook their legs nervously, others gave death glares to folks with the misfortune of sitting on creaky chairs.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Additional highlights included a carousel ride with the siblings sitting together, roller coasters and walks throughout the park, which is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
Once owned by Mickey Drexler, the 26-acre horse farm sits on a sandy road a stone’s throw from Peter Beard’s house and the Roosevelt estate.—
Alessandra Schade,
Vogue,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Their investigation intersects with the various allegations of fraud, human trafficking, and manslaughter swirling around Gentry Group, the evil corporation for which Adam worked.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
-
In 2025, the firm is channeling its efforts into strategic expansion, increasing visibility across industries that intersect with private aviation.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
People reported running, ducking for cover and scrambling to their cars for safety.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 June 2025
-
Questions and Answers Is goose or duck down better for a comforter?—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Humanity bestrides the planet, explores the cosmos, and continues to reshape itself because humans are the world’s most inventive, adaptable animal.—
Nicholas Eberstadt,
Foreign Affairs,
10 Oct. 2024
-
The United States will once again bestride the world like a colossus deterring enemies and making other nations safe from the likes of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.—
Armstrong Williams,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
An advisory board typically comprises individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Mostly comprising footage from phones and GoPro cameras attached to their helmets and chests, the film offers rare access to the medics’ daily lives, their reliance on each other and a testament to the camaraderie required to survive in this world.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straddle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share