Word Explorer
Children's
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

stretch

 
 
pronunciation:
strech
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: stretches, stretching, stretched
definition 1: to lengthen or extend (the body or limbs) to the full length.
You should stretch your legs both before and after you run.
synonyms:
expand
similar words:
elongate, extend, lengthen, open, spread, unfold
definition 2: to cause to extend or reach from one point to another.
The repairmen stretched a wire from the pole to the house.
synonyms:
extend, string
similar words:
connect
definition 3: to reach out or extend (the arm or hand).
He stretched his hand out to help me.
synonyms:
extend
antonyms:
retract, withdraw
similar words:
offer, protract, put out, reach out
definition 4: to pull or draw tightly; make taut.
We stretched the tent over its poles.
synonyms:
draw, tauten
antonyms:
relax
similar words:
strain, tense
definition 5: to cause to lengthen or widen.
He stretched his chewing gum into long strings.
synonyms:
broaden, elongate, lengthen, widen
antonyms:
compress
similar words:
distend, enlarge, expand, prolong, protract, pull, spread
definition 6: to cause to serve beyond the usual limits; tax unduly.
The repairs seriously stretched our budget.
synonyms:
overtax, strain
similar words:
exhaust, overburden, overwork
definition 7: to strain to the maximum extent.
To finish the project they will need to stretch themselves.
synonyms:
strain
similar words:
bend, challenge, exert, push
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to extend over an area or in a certain direction.
The Silk Road stretched from southern Europe into China.
synonyms:
extend, reach
similar words:
carry, come, go, hang, range, run, sprawl, spread
definition 2: to lie down; recline fully.
He stretched out on the couch for a nap.
synonyms:
lie down, recline
similar words:
loll, lounge, sprawl
definition 3: to have the capability of being stretched.
This elastic stretches easily.
similar words:
expand, extend, lengthen, spread
definition 4: to become lengthened or widened.
These jeans have stretched in the knees.The shoes had been a little tight, but they stretched.
synonyms:
broaden, lengthen, widen
similar words:
distend, elongate, expand, spread
definition 5: to extend over a certain time period.
The queen's reign stretched over nearly seven decades.
synonyms:
reach, span
similar words:
continue, endure, extend, last, persist, range
definition 6: to flex one's muscles and extend one's limbs.
She yawned and stretched as she got out of bed.The cat had been sleeping but now rolled onto its side and stretched.
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act of stretching.
We always do our stretches at the beginning of the ballet class.
synonyms:
expansion
similar words:
reach
definition 2: the condition of being stretched.
She was annoyed when she saw the stretch of the material.
synonyms:
expansion
definition 3: a continuous expanse or distance.
Who owns that stretch of land along the river?
synonyms:
expanse, reach, sweep
similar words:
extent, run, sheet, spread
definition 4: the degree to which something can be stretched; elasticity.
These shoelaces have a short stretch.
synonyms:
elasticity, give, stretchiness
similar words:
spring
definition 5: a continuous or extended period of time.
I haven't seen them for a long stretch.
synonyms:
period, while
similar words:
run, space
definition 6: a prison term.
He was in for a ten-year stretch.
derivations: stretchable (adj.), stretchability (n.)
Word Explorer
See
  worm