splay
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"The foot does start to change shape and tends to splay a little bit over time," says Branthwaite.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
"These splay faults are closer to the coast, so these tsunamis will be faster to hit the coastline than a tsunami generated only from a subduction zone earthquake."
From Science Daily ● May 20, 2024
In one inspirational photo, a large multicolored butterfly spans the entire seat of a vintage pair of Miss Sixty jeans, while in another, shiny silver flowers splay across a Dries van Noten jacket.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2024
Too many such cells caused the sepals to splay and expose the petals prematurely.
From Science Magazine ● Aug. 23, 2023
His upper teeth are small and splay out.
From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio
![]()
This is a woman who has the world where she wants it, and who laughs blithely throughout our chat – even when discussing the terrifying anxieties she nightly splays across the stage.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 20, 2019
Sediment that breaches the levees during flood stage is called crevasse splays delivering silt and clay into the floodplain.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017
The anole splays its little lizard fingers to break its fall as it hurtles face-first onto the ground.
From Slate ● Oct. 23, 2014
Simmer the farro or spelt until it splays.
From New York Times ● Aug. 29, 2014
It splays across the hot cement and dangles near the toes of her sneakers.
From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly
![]()
I felt the same when I first came across Granny in my feed, splayed across Justin and Hailey Bieber’s arms at the Coachella Music Festival.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
They clipped 13 seconds of him tearing into a Whopper, sauce and a grin splayed across his face, and posted it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 7, 2026
Back in my room, I lay in bed and splayed out the cash in my hand, sending a photo of the bounty to my wife, who was surely fast asleep.
From Slate ● Nov. 18, 2025
The full video shows a man — Retes — splayed on the ground surrounded by agents.
From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2025
She landed on her back, all splayed out.
From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea
![]()
Images from the scene show a mangled heap of scaffolding and concrete splaying out onto the street, covered by green safety netting.
From BBC ● May 24, 2026
Little happens other than chain-smoking, costume changes and interminable shots of color-shifting strobe lighting splaying across the cast’s cheekbones.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026
Under the watchful eyes of Ogiri inhabitants, he found himself splaying his hands, almost as if to say, Look, I come in peace.
From Slate ● Dec. 16, 2023
He signaled to him, splaying his hands with exaggerated impatience: When are they coming out?
From New York Times ● Aug. 13, 2022
And just above my head, I discovered a hole had appeared in the windowpane, little cracks splaying out from it like the web of a spider.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing splay
The Hobbit
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
One of Us Is Lying
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Pax
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a word