spike 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spikenext
1
as in dart

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2
as in jump

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Dissimilar Words

spike

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to he spiked what otherwise would have been a dry economic lecture with some jokes and anecdotes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 spike
Noun
But experts told Healthcare Brew that payers are increasing cost-sharing for enrollees, shifting them into narrower networks, and cutting supplemental benefits in response to a spike in utilization and medical costs over the last couple years. — Caroline Catherman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 The spike in energy costs, including gasoline, diesel and heating oil, is another case in point. — Markus Schneider, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
Cold water triggers an immediate stress response that spikes heart rate, speeds breathing and constricts blood vessels. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 During my stay some visitors curled up on the couches against the evening desert chill, sipping hot drinks spiked with Amarula, a South African liqueur, surrounded by flickering candles. — Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spike
  1. dart
  2. jump
  3. stab
  4. stimulate
  5. spear
  6. upturn
  7. pierce
  8. stir
Noun
  • For all the talk of the left-handed pass, the no-look shovel, the no-look dart, the best throw Mahomes has ever made came in this game.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Members can still gather for other activities like pinochle, pool and darts.
    — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dart
Noun
  • The latest figures, released in April and based mostly on 2024 data, actually reflect a slowdown from earlier jumps.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Shares of CrowdStrike and Palo Alto are on pace for weekly jumps of more than 10%.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • For Crystal, this occurred at the end of 2025, his annus horribilis, when Reiner and wife Michelle were found stabbed to death at their Brentwood home.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The teen accused of fatally stabbing a homeless Roseville woman faced a judge and the woman’s family Tuesday during his first court appearance in the slaying.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of stab
Verb
  • The move stimulated the private sector and accelerated the deployment of EV infrastructure, Vesser said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Issagholyan built out a 24-session plan to course-correct, involving twice weekly visits in which I would be chiropractically adjusted, my jaw cold-lasered to promote cellular regeneration and my back muscles stimulated by electrodes.
    — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulate
Noun
  • The authors said that Shanidar A’s wound may be the earliest example of an ancient human relative killed with a wooden spear.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Remnants of a wooden spear weren’t found near the Neanderthal’s remains, which is understandable since the material often decomposes so quickly.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of spear
Noun
  • Improving short-term momentum and a pending oversold upturn in the SPDR S & P Retail ETF (XRT) support a short-term relief rally within the long-term uptrend.
    — , CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The gentle upturn at the corners of the mouth gives Samoyeds a cheerful look, one suited to a major fashion campaign.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of upturn
Verb
  • The bullet pierced the rear passenger window of Irvine’s car, striking him in the right shoulder and causing his death.
    — Kelsie Cairns , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • No wonder some of the film’s most piercing moments are on the periphery.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • Uncover and stir, making sure nothing is stuck to bottom of pot.
    — Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In Namibia’s remote, soul-stirring wilderness—one of the least inhabited places on earth—French hotelier Arnaud Zannier has created a new breed of hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of stir

Browse Nearby Words

spigots
spike
spiked
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Cite this Entry

“Spike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spike. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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