stretch
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for stretch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stretch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English streċċan, meaning to extend or spread out, from a Proto-Germanic root related to being taut or rigid — the same root gives us "stark."
Full origin of stretch →Frequently asked questions
What does “stretch” mean?
The word “stretch” means to pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter. In plain terms, to pull something longer, extend your muscles, or make something (money, time, the truth) go further than normal.
How do you pronounce “stretch”?
“Stretch” is pronounced strehch (/stɹɛt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stretch” in a sentence?
Here is “stretch” used in a sentence: “She stretched the elastic band until it snapped.”
What part of speech is “stretch”?
Depending on how it is used, “stretch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “stretch” come from?
The word “stretch” comes from Old English. From Old English streċċan, meaning to extend or spread out, from a Proto-Germanic root related to being taut or rigid — the same root gives us "stark.".
Is “stretch” a common word?
“Stretch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stretch” have?
“Stretch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter.
What is the difference between "stretch" and "extend"?
To stretch something is to pull it so it becomes longer, wider, or tighter, usually implying tension or elasticity. "Extend" is broader and more neutral, meaning simply to make something longer or reach further, without the sense of pulling under strain.
When should you use "stretch" instead of "reach"?
Use "stretch" when the emphasis is on straining or extending your body or a material toward its limit, and "reach" when the focus is on arriving at or touching a target. You stretch your arm in order to reach a high shelf.
What are common phrases using "stretch"?
Common expressions include "stretch your legs" (to walk after sitting), "stretch the truth" (to exaggerate), "at a stretch" (with difficulty, or continuously), and "the home stretch" (the final part of an effort).
Is "stretch" a regular or irregular verb?
"Stretch" is a regular verb. Its past tense and past participle are both "stretched," simply adding "-ed," as in "she stretched before the race."