Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

outstretch

American  
[aut-strech] / ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ /

verb (used with object)

  1. to stretch forth; extend.

    to outstretch one's hand in welcome.

  2. to stretch out; expand.

    The rising population has outstretched the city.

  3. to stretch beyond.

    His behavior outstretches my patience.


outstretch British  
/ ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ /

verb

  1. to extend or expand; stretch out

  2. to stretch or extend beyond

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of outstretch

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at out-, stretch


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

If you lived rurally, if you saw what happens when people’s intentions outstretch their abilities, you would know.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 10, 2023

When you’re ready to end the flight, simply outstretch your hand to the Pixy, and it returns to your palm.

From The Verge ● Apr. 28, 2022

I have just enough space that I can outstretch my arm, but not open my hand.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 21, 2020

Summitt was empowering women to be themselves, educating women to follow their dreams, and inspiring women to outstretch their society-restricted reach.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2016

They outstretch their arms and hug me tightly until I bawl and tell them what they want to hear.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training