spall

noun

ˈspȯl How to pronounce spall (audio)
Definition of spallnext
as in chip
a small flat piece separated from a whole found a variety of uses for the spalls left over from their stonecutting operations

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 spall The curtains are made up of overlapping, three-quarter inch plates of AR500 steel encased in a layer of ballistic nylon that captures spall, the shards of metal that break off from a colliding bullet. — Dan Robitzski, Popular Mechanics, 8 Mar. 2018 The reports noted that numerous repairs had been made to cracks and spalls in the spillway. — Bettina Boxall, latimes.com, 24 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spall
  1. chip
  2. sliver
  3. fragment
  4. splinter
  5. flake
  6. shard
Noun
  • Apple has historically tapped Broadcom for connectivity chips that help its devices connect to cellular, WiFi and Bluetooth networks.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 11 July 2026
  • Jordan's first try from a chip kick by Jordie Barrett and a skillful recovery by Leroy Carter gave New Zealand the lead for the first time and against the run of play in the 30th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of chip
Noun
  • Who'd have thought that this thin sliver of soft sand would be the most popular beach on the island, and by far?
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • By the end of the night, the room full of sweaty bodies was left basking in the gift of Madonna, feeling just one small sliver of a wider moment that has gone on to completely transcend conventional pop expectation.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of sliver
Noun
  • Further inside, a fragment of a gate has a for-sale sign, candles, guayaberas and two colorful chairs — like memories from a grandfather’s house.
    — Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • For years, Licking had found teeth and small bone fragments on his ranch.
    — Amy B Wang, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of fragment
Noun
  • Congress can swing the axe but taxpayers pick up the splinters.
    — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • On director Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior (2025), Mettler was the lead film editor, splinter unit director and associate producer.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 June 2026
Definition of splinter
Noun
  • Add the paprika, cumin, coriander and red pepper flakes and stir until fragrant, 10 to 15 seconds.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • Add tomatoes, pepper flakes, vinegar, and 1 teaspoon salt; process until pureed.
    — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 July 2026
Definition of flake
Noun
  • But Johnson’s lasting impact came from an uncanny ability to grab the all-encompassing darkness of his life and pull out jagged shards of beauty.
    — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
  • On a recent Thursday morning, Richetts’ artworks, the colorful shards of smooth shiny glass, were indeed speaking the language of healing — and spreading the gospel Richetts has been preaching for decades.
    — Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
Definition of shard

Browse Nearby Words

spading
spall
spalls
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spall. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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