squander

verb

squan·der | \ ˈskwän-dər

squandered; squandering\ ˈskwän-d(ə-)riŋ

Definition of squander

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to spend extravagantly or foolishly : dissipate, waste squandered a fortune

2 : to cause to disperse : scatter

3 : to lose (something, such as an advantage or opportunity) through negligence or inaction

intransitive verb

: disperse, scatter

squander

noun

Definition of squander (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act of squandering

Other Words from squander Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about squander

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of squander in a Sentence

Verb

He vowed not to squander this opportunity. squandered all her money gambling in casinos

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

For many years, Sony held the license and squandered it, but in 2008 Codemasters wrested control, expanding the series to new platforms. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The ten best console racing games of all time," 22 Aug. 2019 The Padres had squandered one-out singles by Naylor and Machado in the top of the first. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Freddy Galvis, Reds strike back at Padres," 20 Aug. 2019 Other charities just sit on the money indefinitely — better than squandering it, but still not that great. — Kelsey Piper, Vox, "The Ice Bucket Challenge and the promise — and the pitfalls — of viral charity," 20 July 2019 The United States, however, did not want to squander its lead, and sought a cheaper reusable transport system to get people, satellites and experiments into space. — Sue Mcmillin, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: 50 years after the moon landing is no time to relaunch a go-it-alone space race," 19 July 2019 The Indiana Pacers squandered a 27-point lead Wednesday night in a 107-101 NBA Summer League loss to the Atlanta Hawks. — Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana Pacers blow huge lead in NBA Summer League loss," 11 July 2018 Texas, in the CWS for a record 36th time, squandered a chance in the seventh, striking out three straight times with runners on second and third. — Mike Malloy, OrlandoSentinel.com, "UF earns 6-1 win over Texas, stays alive in CWS," 20 June 2018 The feeling of squandering two points when Minnesota sat in second place in the West was written on Heath’s face postgame. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, "Minnesota United salvages a point in a wild finish to a 1-1 draw with Orlando," 17 Aug. 2019 Estevez departed the mound in the decisive eighth inning to boos from the home faithful as Colorado squandered long balls by Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon, not to mention the chance to clinch its first series victory in three weeks. — Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, "Carlos Estevez sparks Colorado’s latest bullpen implosion, negates comeback by fading Rockies in loss to Giants," 3 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'squander.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.