squander

verb

squan·​der ˈskwän-dər How to pronounce squander (audio)
squandered; squandering ˈskwän-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce squander (audio)
Synonyms of squandernext

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
squanderer noun

Examples of squander in a Sentence

He vowed not to squander this opportunity. squandered all her money gambling in casinos
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That would save countless American lives, not to mention billions of taxpayer dollars squandered on welfare for these lawless invaders. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026 The Padres squandered a chance in the fifth with shoddy baserunning. CBS News, 7 June 2026 San Antonio was down by 14 midway through the final quarter, after already squandering a double-digit lead of its own, then went on a 14-0 run to tie the game, then briefly took the lead when Wembanyama had a three-point play with just under a minute left. Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026 Wembanyama rebounded the ball, only to squander all the equity made in ensuring a defensive stop. Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for squander

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squander was in 1536

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squander. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

squander

verb
squan·​der
ˈskwän-dər
squandered; squandering
-d(ə-)riŋ
: to spend foolishly or wastefully
squandered all her money on video games
squanderer
-dər-ər
noun

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