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To make demands, or prove to be testing on
“Times of prosperity tended to increase the population, which would, at a certain indefinable point, begin to stretch available resources.”
To pull or elongate a stretchable object
“Stretch the elastic around your waist until it fits comfortably and cut it to the correct size.”
(of something soft or elastic) To be made, or be capable of being made, longer or wider without tearing or breaking
“Very fat rubber bands can stretch to close a plastic bag filled, for example, with vegetables.”
To draw or make tight or taut
“Stretch the canvas tightly over the hull, working from amidships forward and aft.”
To straighten something
“Roll up on your toes, slowly stretch your legs to push your hips upward, and drop your head toward the ground.”
To last or cause to last longer than expected
“The precautionary effort was expected to stretch into this week.”
To extend or spread over an area or period of time
“At either side, the desert would stretch to meet the deep indigo of the sky.”
To range or occur within a continuous spectrum
“The store is offering discounts that stretch from 10 to 40 percent, depending upon the brand.”
To extend outwardly
“She was afraid to stretch out her hand to him to touch him, as if the illusion could crumble to dust after her touch.”
(stretch out) To recline or lie down by extending one's body
“Then she arranges the pillows so Mama can stretch out on the sofa and prop her foot up.”
To describe or express in too exaggerated terms
“Applicants tend to stretch the truth, with statistics revealing that nearly 36 percent of applications are falsified.”
To damage (a muscle, ligament, etc.) by abnormal strain
“I would stretch the ligaments in my ankle after rolling it, injuring myself in the process.”
(of finances or resources) To be sufficient or adequate for a certain purpose
“Sadly, finances would not stretch to pay for every child in her household.”
Plural for a continuous area or expanse of land or water
“In 1827, a flood of the Daling River had deposited silt on a huge stretch of land along its lower reaches.”
Plural for a continuous period of time
“The slump between New Year's Eve and Memorial Day is a long stretch with little to celebrate.”
Plural for the distance between two physical points or locations
“Hessy had been traveling back and forth over a stretch of five miles after she was first sighted near Dartford Bridge.”
Plural for the extent or range between possible extremes
“Meanwhile, your single sinister hand plays over and over a stretch of notes, till even the fourth finger obeys.”
Plural for the ability or measure of a material or object to stretch
“The amount of stretch in the fabric will determine the style and size of the pattern you choose.”
Plural for a period of time spent in prison
“While doing a stretch in prison, he refused to enter the recommended rehabilitation program.”
Related Words and Phrases
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