spoilsport

noun

ˈspȯi(-ə)l-ˌspȯrt How to pronounce spoilsport (audio)
Definition of spoilsportnext
as in killjoy
a person who spoils the pleasure of others if you don't want to play, at least don't be a spoilsport

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 spoilsport The spoilsports need to get back to their home state and do the job which their constituents elected them to do. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025 Suddenly, the Republicans were the spoilsports who couldn’t take the joke, a position stereotypically held by politically correct liberals. — Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024 This spoilsport effort has become fodder for late-night comedy routines and gripes about liberal overlords such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg banishing all fun. — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2024 Be prepared to be labelled humourless, difficult, a spoilsport, and a ruiner of parties, meetings, dinners, and picnics. — Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 11 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for spoilsport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilsport
  1. killjoy
  2. drag
  3. cynic
  4. bore
  5. complainer
  6. crab
  7. grinch
  8. wet blanket
Noun
  • In the end, at the risk of sounding like a killjoy, a real way to save the planet and save money is to just buy and produce less.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Which poem, and why did the killjoys at the magazine turn it down?
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of killjoy
Noun
  • Nvidia provided the biggest boost to the Nasdaq-100, contributing 98 points, while Microsoft was the largest drag, subtracting 21 points.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • The garages at drag events are full of red-eyed madmen who have sold their houses and chased their wives and children away in pursuit of this.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
Definition of drag
Noun
  • In the afterglow of the evening, even hardened cynics couldn't deny that being admired by millions is no substitute for being loved by one.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Definition of cynic
Noun
  • As rain drizzled and the humidity bore down, the president peered at blueprints for the public golf course, before driving to his own course in Virginia via the Arlington Memorial Bridge, near where his Triumphal Arch may soon be built.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
  • Breaking it down by item type, 80 percent of scarves 54 percent of tops, 25 percent of baby clothing, 13 percent of activewear and 14 percent of sleep wear bore inaccurate labels.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
Definition of bore
Noun
  • Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026
  • However, the Lakers are complainers to begin with and have always gotten a favorable whistle.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of complainer
Noun
  • The kitchen is ably led by former River Café head chef Danny Bohan, whose menu draws on French and Italian culinary traditions with highlights like Dorset crab with tomatoes and aioli and sea bass carpaccio.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • And, the gimmicks like Hummer’s crab walk and like rear-wheel steering actually do pay dividends.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Definition of crab
Noun
  • The nonprofit donated almost $200,000 to the church for the materials a grinch stole.
    — Dawn White, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
  • To play off the flavor of the candy, the grinch-green dough has a subtle cinnamon flavor of its own.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025
Definition of grinch
Noun
  • The extra layer of complexity and stagnation feels like a wet blanket being thrown over our summer plans.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • But the rivalry between these teams runs deep, and the Penguins tried hard to throw a wet blanket on the Capitals' playoff hopes and Ovechkin's big day.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of wet blanket

Browse Nearby Words

spoils (for)
spoilsport
spoilsports
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Cite this Entry

“Spoilsport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilsport. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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