splay

verb

Definition of splaynext
as in to spread
to cause to move outward and apart He sat with his legs splayed apart. She splayed her fingers to show off her manicure.

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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 splay The limbs in question were vast, inflatable, and splayed, maybe fifteen feet high, and bent at the knee, as if a giant were lying on its back. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 The moped passenger, who police said was struck by the truck’s rear wheel, can be seen on the video splayed out unconscious on the street. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 Rogen splays himself, theatrically broken, on the floor. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 June 2026 But before long, the singer/guitarist’s blunt attitude that’s splayed all over Lambrini Girls’ protest songs comes out to play. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for splay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splay
  1. spread
  2. split
Verb
  • Mellencamp, 45, was initially diagnosed with melanoma that spread.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But the war’s unintended consequences have spread far beyond the Middle East, affecting global security, diminishing America’s global standing, and potentially providing its adversaries with an opportunity to expand their influence.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spread
Verb
  • Kazan writes the entire series, sharing one co-writing credit with Alexander Chee for Episode 6, while Garth Davis and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre split directorial duties.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The season brings back the franchise’s ‘Cutthroat’ format, splitting 24 competitors into three teams battling for a share of $500,000.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of split

Browse Nearby Words

splatters
splay
splayed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splay. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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