spear 1 of 2

spear

2 of 2

noun

as in javelin
a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade the Roman gladiator thrust his spear triumphantly into the lion's side

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spear
Verb
Some vulnerable farmers, desperate to protect their livelihoods, retaliate by spearing the elephants. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025 Image Image Outside, a whiteboard listed who speared each sturgeon and their weights and lengths. Brian Kaiser, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
This is when Abby finished the job, stabbing Joel in the neck with a spear. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 The match began to turn a bit when Uso hit Gunther with a spear, seemingly out of nowhere. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spear
Verb
  • Life outside the courtroom, however, is a bit more complicated, with Nash-Betts weeping in a hospital gown and Kardashian stabbing herself with a needle in a bathroom stall.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 13 May 2025
  • Rapper Tory Lanez, who is serving jail time, was hospitalized after another inmate stabbed him.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The Kansas City native excelled in high school track and field as a shot putter, and threw the discus and javelin.
    Bruce Feldman, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • With all of this going on in the house, why, oh why would Jesse Solomon (always both names) hurl himself at Lexi with the velocity of a gold medal javelin throw?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Taking the main melody, the nine-time Grammy winner’s piercing voice soars over lush harmonies provided by the other singers, with Eilish adding her own tasteful riffs throughout.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 5 May 2025
  • If one chapter of your mortal span—your wartime experience, or a love affair—has pierced you more sharply than any other, why shouldn’t that chapter go up front?
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • With about a thousand Mexicans in front of him, Yell charged alone with his sword in hand, apparently killing several Mexicans until brought down by multiple lance wounds.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
  • But every individual had suffered some sort of devastating injury—like wounds made by swords, lances, daggers and iron bolts.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Putin’s absence punctured hopes of a breakthrough in peace efforts that were given a push in recent months by the Trump administration and Western European leaders amid the intense maneuvering.
    Mehmet Guzel, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • Williams driver Carlos Sainz failed to finish after puncturing his tire.
    Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Asked about Trump's return to power on Thursday, Biden jabbed the current president on several fronts from domestic to international affairs.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Cole has jabbed at West on multiple occasions in the past.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Musical fans will likely have a bone to pick with you, though.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 9 May 2025
  • The Costas’ method for picking a retirement spot was distinctly personal.
    William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Best Uses Due to their smooth, slippery surface, nonstick pans are ideal for delicate foods that are prone to sticking.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
  • No calibration, no camera… just plug, stick, and go.
    Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spear. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!