stretches 1 of 2

plural of stretch
1
2
3
as in ranges
the distance or extent between possible extremes the stories were written over a considerable stretch of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

stretches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of stretch
1
2
as in pulls
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure I stretched a back muscle, and the pain is killing me

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in lengthens
to make longer the time it would take to fix the car got stretched from three hours to two days when the part we needed had to be ordered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
as in tightens
to draw tight if the canvas isn't properly stretched over the frame, there will be sagging over time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stretches
Noun
Its square neck frames your face and the smocked material stretches to stay comfortable for all-day wear. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 The track is packed with thrills, featuring three 360-degree spirals, an 80-foot double helix, two uphill stretches, and a mid-race bridge that offers the perfect chance to size up your opponent and take in the views. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025 While this might sound like a lot, the cutscene has a certain minimalism, with stretches of silence and slow-motion. G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 The host might suggest a series of stretches or movements, yet another moment to participate or not. PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025 Here, the wide, shallow channels are perfect for roosting birds, while the surrounding cornfields provide a post-harvest buffet, allowing the cranes to fatten up for the long journey to their breeding grounds in the northern stretches of the United States, Canada, and even Siberia. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025 The Little Miss Drama Tour begins in February and stretches into April. Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 16 Sep. 2025 Through one of the most dominant stretches in NFL history, the most steadfast lifeline for the Chiefs has been the prolific and uncanny connection between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025 The New York Mets keep enduring lengthy rough stretches. Will Sammon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Applying the same to retail traders, however, stretches the rule beyond its intent and poses more of a misclassification risk than a clear obligation. Robert Green, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The plan for the roadway that stretches across the Hagginwood and Del Paso Heights neighborhoods of North Sacramento will later go before the City Council for approval. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025 LeBron and Drake’s bond stretches back nearly two decades, beginning in the late 2000s. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Pawpaws Another native plant option, pawpaw trees are found throughout eastern North America, with a geographic range that stretches from Canada to Florida. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025 The network stretches more than 3,500 miles from the Black Sea to Siberia and includes two new cadet schools and even a monastery. Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025 History of debt Clifton has a track record of unpaid debts and unfinished projects in Jackson County that stretches back nearly 15 years. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025 Or make a weekend out of it at the luxury farm resort Winvian, which stretches across 113 acres in the Litchfield Hills. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025 What began as a handful of campus groups now stretches across more than 3,500 high schools and universities, supported by dozens of full-time staff who manage student activists like a professional sales force. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretches
Noun
  • The team calculates that, based on its distance from the star, TRAPPIST-1e might also be a relatively cool world, conceivably with liquid-water oceans or frozen expanses of ice on its surface.
    Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Backcountry exploration When people seek a break from the pace of modern life and the demands of being digitally connected, national parks contain expanses of backcountry, where signs of civilization are sparse, and where profound natural beauty, adventure and solitude are still available.
    Jeffrey C. Hallo, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Along the way, bitcoin has broken out from five prior downward-sloping ranges similar to this one—a positive technical sign.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Investigators used tools including open-source information and high-resolution satellite images to identify the sites and specifics such as firing ranges and trenches.
    Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • All the victories were gate to wire fashion at sprint distances.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The robot firm has also revealed its new robotic equipment that allows humans to access and control this humanoid from large distances.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some critics have said that Costa exaggerates Malafaia’s influence.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The fact that the company exaggerates the job numbers, as well as the true number of states where the plane produces a significant number of jobs does not alter the fact that economic arguments carry a lot of weight in Congressional decisions on weapons procurement.
    William Hartung, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Open Edit Satin Midi Skirt Equal parts sleek and versatile, this satin midi skirt is one of those rare finds that packs light but pulls heavy duty.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Coach Bart pulls the boy aside.
    Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While ChatGPT may initially recommend suicide hotlines, the AI could later give harmful answers as the conversation lengthens.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Kneeling Lunge with Side Bend This move lengthens your iliopsoas, a muscle group that helps flex the hips and connects to the lower back.
    Jenny McCoy, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The movie, which is set to hit theaters December 19, is based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden and centers on Millie (Sweeney), who tries to escape her past by accepting a job as a live-in housemaid for wealthy couple Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar).
    Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Wind chimes and similar elements were used to create a sound for the magical barrier known as the honmoon, the global harmony that Huntrix tries to achieve.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Veling also thinks once the inventory tightens, prices will either stabilize or begin another run up, depending on the supply-and-demand dynamics for each local market.
    Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The warning comes as Washington also tightens restrictions on Chinese vehicles.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stretches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stretches. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stretches

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!