SPLAY Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

splay

verb

Definition of splay

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

splatters

splay

splayed

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“Splay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splay. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of splay

verb

Example Sentences

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