LADLE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

ladle 1 of 2

noun

ˈlā-dᵊl

Definition of ladle

as in spoon

a utensil with a bowl and a handle that is used especially in cooking and serving food the chef looked around for a ladle to add the chicken broth to the pot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

ladle

2 of 2

verb

as in to scoop

to lift out with something that holds liquid the server ladled out the soup from a large tureen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fill
pour

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 ladle

Noun

From spatulas, spoons, and salad forks to tongs, ladles, and measuring cups, shop our favorite plastic-free kitchen utensils below for carefree cooking. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 Stir constantly, adding small ladles of the cooking water, spoonfuls of creme fraiche, and perhaps more lemon zest, until the sauce emulsifies and thickens. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Verb

Slowly ladle some of the hot milk rice mixture into the bowl while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026 Fresh lemonade and iced tea ladled into mason jars served with red-and-white-striped straws. — Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ladle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ladle

Noun

Add 1 cup pasta cooking liquid to squash and break up squash with spoon until a saucy consistency.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
Of course, if the trivia category is not your preferred flavor — as was the case for me with the legal terms in this puzzle — then the cookie dough lode can feel more like freezer burn to hack at with a spoon.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of spoon

Verb

On special teams, Clemson forced a fumble on a kickoff that safety Kylon Griffin scooped and scored a TD and kicker Nolan Hauser hit three field goals including a career long 59 yarder in the final minute before halftime.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Mongolia’s Zogsool, directed by Sakhya Byamba, won four awards in the festival’s Vision section, including the Vision of Jiseok Award, while Full Moon from Korea’s Jeong Jihye scooped three awards.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of scoop

Browse Nearby Words

ladings

ladle

ladled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ladle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ladle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ladle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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