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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of sprawl
The sprawling 31-room abode once located on 359 acres in the Pacific Palisades was donated to the state’s parks department in 1944.
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Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
Will Rogers State Historic Park, where the famous movie cowboy once had a sprawling ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, was closed to the public.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
But the variety of companies questioned highlights the sprawling reach of a new Texas law aimed at increasing oversight of minors’ use of social media and chat services.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025
Frank Herbert's sprawling sci-fi novel was never likely to be tamed in the space of a single movie.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sprawl 
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
Will Rogers State Historic Park, where the famous movie cowboy once had a sprawling ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, was closed to the public.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
But the variety of companies questioned highlights the sprawling reach of a new Texas law aimed at increasing oversight of minors’ use of social media and chat services.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025
Frank Herbert's sprawling sci-fi novel was never likely to be tamed in the space of a single movie.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sprawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprawl
Verb
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He was set to retire in January, however, the ongoing conflict has extended his term.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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Several school districts in the Kansas City metro have extended their closures and virtual days into Wednesday, after a blizzard swept through the area over the weekend.Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The importance of getting lucky The researchers don't know what kinds of contingent events set male mice on diverging paths.Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025
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What Has Greece Said The ruling also highlights diverging perspectives on Greece's border policies.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Smith dropped two indictments against Trump after his 2024 victory, following a policy against prosecuting a sitting president.Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025
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The footage shows the determined dog, a female golden doodle, sitting resolutely in a corner of the couch while the man shares the same seat, both unwilling to concede the spot.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Since then, his portfolio of restaurants has expanded across the Charlotte metro area.Laura Barrero, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
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Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Taylor Swift is taking her billionaire status to new heights — literally and figuratively — by expanding her $17.75 million Rhode Island estate.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Glomar Explorer then floated over the barge, the cover slid back, and the Capture Vehicle was lifted aboard into the moon pool along with hundreds of squid that flopped about on the deck.David Szondy, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2025
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In the weekend’s other big bowl, the Buffaloes flopped.Jayna Bardahl, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On Monday, the US government announced a new round of regulations on global AI chip exports, dividing the world into roughly three tiers of access.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025
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Other volunteers set up in the job center’s parking lot to divide donations into care packages of food, toiletries, water and clothing.Yvonne Condes, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The dancer, actor, and artist exuded an illuminating energy that radiated throughout the entertainment industry.Essence, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025
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This movement’s energy radiated from a troubled detention center in Washington where a few dozen men charged with attacking police officers and committing other violent offenses were held.Dan Barry, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Lou lounged in her doggy bed with a blanket wrapped around her.Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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Amazon Essentials Crop Pullover Hoodie Comfortably lounge around the airport or plane in this Amazon Essentials hoodie.Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near sprawl
Cite this Entry
“Sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprawl. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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