lance 1 of 2

noun

ˈlan(t)s How to pronounce lance (audio)
Definition of lancenext
as in spear
a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade the lance struck squarely on the knight's shield, knocking him from his horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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lance

2 of 2

verb

as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object doctors used to lance infected sores, so that they could drain clean

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 lance
Noun
The washer includes a spray gun and spray lance, plus a high-pressure hose. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 In Ukraine, drone versus drone warfare has already seen a wide range of gladiatorial weapons used, including drones fitted with lances, tridents and harpoons. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
His maiden first-class — let alone Test — century was confirmed with a tension-lancing scythe over midwicket in the final session, writes Dominic Fifield. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 Asking a question that lanced through his core. — Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lance
  1. spear
  2. stab
  3. javelin
  4. puncture
  5. pierce
  6. jab
  7. pick
  8. stick
Noun
  • Heavily inspired by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 1652 sculpture, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, depicting an angel piercing the saint’s heart—Your soul woke up in flames from a spear by an angel.
    — Tina Eves, SPIN, 13 July 2026
  • This is an enormous issue for the entire industry with PlayStation being the tip of the spear to say that 75-85% digital sales is enough to move that to 100% for good.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of spear
Verb
  • Five years later, Conservative lawmaker Amess was stabbed multiple times in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 11 July 2026
  • Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, and Conservative David Amess was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of stab
Noun
  • Nebraska's Dyson Wicker won the pole vault at an NCAA-leading 19-2 1/4, and Texas A&M senior Zaza Nnamdi took javelin at 269-10.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 June 2026
  • In the girls field events, South Hadley’s Natalie Rios threw her personal best and achieved third best javelin throw in the state at 125-04.
    — Hannah Hughes, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
Definition of javelin
Verb
  • On June 3, Walden went to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the metal bristle had become lodged in his bowel and had begun puncturing his intestine.
    — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • His instinct is usually to puncture grand language before anyone else can.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • Defensively strong enough to stifle their talented attackers, with the technical ability to pierce their backline on the counter.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Even Good’s maroon Honda Pilot, the windshield pierced by Ross’s bullet, was bundled away by the FBI into a storage facility before state law enforcement could get a look at it.
    — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • Zverev, who won the French Open and is seeking back-to-back Grand Slam titles, uses an insulin pen when needed to jab the top of his thigh during changeovers on court.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • Two of the points on the rear treble hook were jabbed deeply into the flesh on the outside of the pike’s mouth.
    — Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of jab
Verb
  • And his ability to lead — as a former catcher — also carried a lot of weight in the team’s decision to pick him sixth overall.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Because of that, Barça could pick him up for a bargain €22 million plus €7 million ($25 million plus $8 million) more in variables.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Their families clung to the shade of the trees on either side, where one woman had two American flags stuck through her ponytail.
    — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • That level of output convinced Vogt to stick him in the leadoff spot a little more than three weeks into his career and not look back.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of stick

Browse Nearby Words

lanais
lance
lanced
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Cite this Entry

“Lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lance. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lance

Nglish: Translation of lance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lance

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