spread out

phrasal verb

Word Forms

1
intransitive if people in a group spread out, they move away from one another so that they cover a large area
Let’s spread out more and search the whole field.
Synonyms and related words
To spread over an area
spread out
disperse
fan out
2
transitive to separate things that were together and put them separately on a surface
We spread our papers out on the table.
Synonyms and related words
To separate something from something else
separate
spread out
divide
3
transitive same as spread
Spread out the map so we can all see it.
4
intransitive/transitive to cover a large area of land that you can see in front of you
She gazed at the sprawling city spread out below her.
Synonyms and related words
To be in a particular position or place
occupy
set
exist
5
transitive usually passiveto put people in many parts of a large area
The peacekeeping forces are now spread out over most of the country.
Synonyms and related words
To spread over an area
spread out
disperse
fan out
6
transitive usually passive same as spread
The students felt the course would be better if it was spread out over two years instead of one.
7
transitive same as spread
He spread out his toes in the soft sand and wiggled them.