1
as in expansion
a wide space or area
a narrow stretch of beach below the cliffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in space
an indefinite but usually short period of time
there was a cardinal at our bird feeder for a short stretch last spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
the longest stretch of the drive without any place to get gas
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details
it was stretching the truth to say she'd been in the movies: she was once an extra whose scene was cut in the final version
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to lengthen
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
as in to try
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
your whining is stretching my patience to the limit
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in flexible
able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted
stretch fabrics that don't wrinkle or sag
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 stretch
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025
Throughout the video, recurring images of exotic flowers interrupt long stretches of darkness.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Tree, grass and weed pollen each have different seasons, with peaks stretching from the spring all the way into the fall.
—Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2025
More inventive styles like the Nela, a second-skin knee-high boot featuring stretch leather and a harness detail that wraps around the ankle, only go up to 11.
—Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Noun
During a recent visit to the site of the leak — a half-block stretch of Bruner Ave.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025
Throughout the video, recurring images of exotic flowers interrupt long stretches of darkness.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Despite the narrow window the ice-diving season in Canada lasts, stretching from January to mid-March, Ryzebol makes the most of it — and pushes his limits each time, from eight-plus minute breath holds to over 200-foot dives down.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Tree, grass and weed pollen each have different seasons, with peaks stretching from the spring all the way into the fall.
—Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
A lot of jeans are made with a bit of elastane to give it stretch, but that will just not give you this kind of fit and drape.
—Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2025
More inventive styles like the Nela, a second-skin knee-high boot featuring stretch leather and a harness detail that wraps around the ankle, only go up to 11.
—Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stretch
Noun
-
This is especially true with Mars — your traditional ruler — journeying through Cancer and your ninth house of travel, expansion and unknown territory.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
As more brands incorporate AI into streamlining production efficiency, the company’s expansion comes as demand rises for personalized marketing content across digital platforms.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The non-profit organization that manages Elizabeth Street Park previously issued a federal lawsuit in an effort to protect the space under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA), and thus protect it as part of the Conservation Land Trust.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2025
-
But breaking into this space requires a strategic approach and a willingness to redefine traditional leadership.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The case for greater parity If Auriemma’s prediction is on one end of the spectrum, Chiney Ogwumike’s thoughts are closer to the other.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
-
There are many situations and conditions within the health spectrum.—
Sharron van der Meulen,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Venice has one of its strongest City Section track teams, with distance standout Paul Tranquilla and 400-meter runner Nathaniel Santa Cruz ready to score points in multiple events.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The implication is that the non-college population makes nothing, an assumption that dramatically exaggerates the college payoff.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Rhodes further retorted with a crude remark about Cena's microphone skills versus his physical attributes, and cautioned him against exaggerating his positive impact on WWE upon his departure.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
-
The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.—
Kelly Allen,
House Beautiful,
10 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
The Mocs lengthened that to 10 with 7:33 remaining.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
-
But, again, holding onto this frustration may only lengthen the process.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Moving forward, is Levantine trying to lean more into commercially viable projects or awards films?—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Riggs' supporters have held rallies urging Griffin to concede, accusing him of trying to reverse a lawful election result.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stretch. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share