1
2
as in jump
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
This spike is a Herbig–Haro object (HH 399, specifically) — a jet of material launched by a growing protostar accreting too much matter and ejecting the excess along its rotational axis.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Others may stay away entirely, either to avoid crowds or because hotels and prices spike during the event.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spike
Noun
Although a spike in jet fuel prices is certainly a nail in the discount airline’s coffin, the hole it is being lowered into was dug three years ago—and Biden was holding the shovel.
—Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
This spike is a Herbig–Haro object (HH 399, specifically) — a jet of material launched by a growing protostar accreting too much matter and ejecting the excess along its rotational axis.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Shares of Roku spiked more than 11% in after-hours trading on the earnings report.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Others may stay away entirely, either to avoid crowds or because hotels and prices spike during the event.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spike
Noun
-
For Roseman, the value of landing a top-15 player in the first round trumped the extra dart throws in the fourth round.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But a dart of a throw to home from center fielder Andy Pages cut down former Dodgers prospect Michael Busch to keep the Cubs scoreless.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The last three jumps felt good.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Franz Wagner scored five straight points by hitting a pair of jump shots, including a 27-foot 3-pointer from the left wing.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Marcus Semien hit a chopper down the left side, which Jorbit Vivas stabbed at wildly while missing it badly.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Police in Antioch are investigating after a man was fatally stabbed during an altercation at home over the weekend.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Other options, such as red light therapy caps, are non-invasive devices that use low-level light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and increase density.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Rachel Barber The Fed typically lowers its benchmark rate to stimulate the economy by making borrowing costs cheaper, which can indirectly lower interest rates on auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Smashing the spears with a rolling pin and dressing them in lemon and olive oil magically tenderizes the otherwise tough veg.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
And for years after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, no theatrical distributors or streamers would touch Desert Warrior with a ten-foot throwing spear.—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It might have been averted at various points, had a better replacement for Thomas Frank been sourced, for example, but the eventual arrival of Roberto De Zerbi could be too late given West Ham’s upturn.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The upturn is a bullish intermediate-term catalyst, supporting a bigger relief rally in the weeks ahead.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If Bruce Springsteen’s greatest gift was mythologizing the existential open graves swallowing up blue-collar workers, Mellencamp’s was his piercing ability to at once celebrate and dismantle agrarian fantasy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Lockwood’s music instills joy in listening, and such revitalized desire leaves your body freshly tender, sensitive to whatever pierces the ear.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
From great shows and stirring concerts to delicious tea and awesome French dip sandwiches, this weekend is looking fun and tasty indeed.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
To prepare, combine leftover rice with cooked ground meat or beans, then stir in tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spike. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
