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
Monthly premiums will spike by up to 29% for Georgians who purchase their health insurance plans from the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, according to state data obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 In the complaint filed in federal court in Los Angeles, Attorney General Rob Bonta said that immigration detentions at courthouses in California have spiked in recent months despite a court order in a different case barring the practice. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 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
  • Members can still gather for other activities like pinochle, pool and darts.
    — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Games like cornhole, ringer darts and Kubb — a lawn game involving teams tossing wooden blocks to knock over their opponents’ blocks — were set up on small turf patches.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of dart
Noun
  • This isn’t the first time Knievel’s jump has inspired somebody to do something spectacular.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some configurations released more energy but required larger motor rotations between jumps.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • In the narrative to has unfolded from authorities and passenger accounts, Machchhar had the presence of mind to open the locked door of the cockpit after he was stabbed.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Two men accused of stabbing an off-duty NYPD detective pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of stab
Verb
  • The reason progestogen is recommended in women with a uterus is because estrogen can stimulate growth of the uterine lining and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
    — Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The glasses project light onto 378 pixels in the implant, which converts those light patterns into an electrical current that stimulates the retina’s bipolar cells.
    — Erica Sweeney, Time, 15 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
  • There is an accumulation of metal fragments around piercing part and gears of can opener.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash falls apart when pierced with a fork.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • To a small bowl, add the tamarind purée, chiles, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt and stir to combine.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The story centers on two ex-lovers who come back into each other’s lives after spending decades apart, only to find old feelings stirring with messy and mixed results.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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