spiky

adjective

variants also spikey
Definition of spikynext
as in barbed

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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 spiky Common snappers range from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, while their spikier cousins are mostly found in the southern states west to Texas. — Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023 These ads document the EV arms race playing out right now as companies beef up their electric offerings with higher profiles, spikier bodies, and more imposing grilles. — Curbed, 8 Feb. 2023 Some are silky, some are spikey, and some — like the one worn by stately maidservant Hero, played by Emma Corrin — look like handkerchiefs delicately dropped from a great height onto the head of its wearer. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 Still, even with the Justice Department approving the WBD merger late last week without any concessions, the Paramount Skydance’s CEO’s happy face masked some spikey obstacles to the merger from overseas and in state houses over Ellison’s strategic bear hug with the ex-Apprentice host. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiky
  1. barbed
  2. caustic
  3. sardonic
  4. sour
  5. acerbic
  6. pungent
  7. sarcastic
  8. acidic
Adjective
  • The fence, as constructed, is more than 8 feet tall and is topped with a strand of barbed wire — too high for many animals to jump and dangerous for those that attempt to do so.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 June 2026
  • Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds.
    — Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 24 June 2026
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • Rohmer’s caustic cynicism Conversely, a filmmaker of the French New Wave who has seen his stock rise during the last few years is Eric Rohmer, championed by Noah Baumbach among others.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Hostile and caustic had a different meaning in 1962.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Definition of caustic
Adjective
  • Cavill, absent from the proceedings for long stretches, remains a sturdy presence as the most buff screen Sherlock ever, while Helena Bonham Carter is again reliably amusing as Enola and Sherlock’s sardonic mother Eudoria.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
  • And Milly’s being this sort of seething, disconnected, sardonic character who is more of an observer.
    — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 18 June 2026
Definition of sardonic
Adjective
  • A little sweet, a little sour, oh-so-refreshing—a limoncello spritz will never disappoint.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Some were a little thrown off by the vegetable note, but overall, most felt like this one was a good balance of sweet and sour.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of sour
Adjective
  • An unswervingly loyal oncologist, Wilson was the acerbic doctor's only true friend.
    — Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 July 2026
  • At a moment when technology companies were promising to bring people closer together, David Fincher’s acerbic drama about the founding of Facebook had a darker theory about why people wanted to connect in the first place.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of acerbic
Adjective
  • The club is located in Lancaster County, surrounded by chicken and dairy farms that give off a pungent odor of fermenting feed and manure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • Italian sauvignon blanc offers an alterative that is typically subtler, more textured and less dependent on those pungent aromatics.
    — Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of pungent
Adjective
  • This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Avocado, tomatillos, a serrano pepper, and lime are mixed together in just five minutes to make a bright and acidic dip that's served best with your favorite tortilla chips.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • It’s absorbed without needing food or a highly acidic environment.
    — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026
Definition of acidic

Browse Nearby Words

spiking
spiky
spile
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spiky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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