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
  • Beyond seeking members' votes, campaigns and the party look to organized labor for help in spreading Democrats' message to voters and getting people to the polls.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And alumni are among the college’s best ambassadors for spreading that message, insists Emma Donatille, executive director of the WCC Foundation that has handed out nearly $440,000 in scholarships over the years.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spread
Verb
  • The remaining counts were split between supporting the lifting of the ban and undecided.
    — Brittney Ermon, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • After a few more years of touring, though, the band split primarily so Howard could pursue her solo work.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of split

Browse Nearby Words

splatters
splay
splayed
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Cite this Entry

“Splay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splay. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on splay

Nglish: Translation of splay for Spanish Speakers

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