SPIKY Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

spiky

adjective

variants also spikey

Definition of spiky

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 During his two-year spell in North London, Postecoglou also reveals the decidedly spikier side to his character. — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Jasmine petals, one of my favorite floral notes, is given a spikier edge alongside Australian pink pepper, while raspberry and spun sugar add a pleasing sweetness without being too much. — Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for spiky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiky

Adjective

Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

To the show’s credit, this Ultron is a highly entertaining creation, allowing Spader to layer some of his signature sardonic air to a character who’s still cynical, but much humbled from his supervillain days.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
But these anecdotes were leavened by her trademark sardonic humor.

— Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sardonic

Adjective

Business models and strategies have a shelf life and go sour like milk left out too long.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
My mom’s siblings usually arrived in a sour mood without greeting anyone at the table, my aunt’s brow furrowed and my uncle wearing a sneaky smirk.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sour

Adjective

Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Add monsters, revenge, and a sharp dose of acerbic wit, and this became a passion project for me.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of acerbic

Adjective

The garlic added a pungent heat, and the tahina a nutty savoriness.

— Cooking Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Many glass cleaners use ammonia to cut through grease and grime, but instead of leaving your appliances polished and shiny, the pungent solution can actually leave a streaky, cloudy sheen on stainless steel.

— Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of pungent

Adjective

The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

Descaling solution is an acidic liquid that reacts with—and therefore breaks down—alkaline mineral build ups that happen over time wherever tap water sits or flows.

— Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
The Bongulo Paneer — cooked in bamboo — with a coconut and capsicum poriyal blends peanut chutney with acidic gongura sour cream and fiery gunpowder.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of acidic

Browse Nearby Words

spiking

spiky

spile

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of spiky

adjective

Example Sentences

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