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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
  • For decades, electronic chips have powered almost every digital device around us, from smartphones and computers to the servers running artificial intelligence.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The deal also helps Nvidia hedge against hyperscalers' custom chips.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of chip
Noun
  • Among them is Dugi Otok, said Mark Palmer in The Times – a verdant, 26-mile-long sliver of limestone that lies an easy ferry ride from the fascinating harbour town of Zadar.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The play was a microcosm of the ability Harvey showcased during his rookie season to turn small slivers of space into big plays.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of sliver
Noun
  • Among the most destructive munitions in Western military arsenals, an MK-84 explosion sends metal fragments in every direction for thousands of feet, can rip through metal and thick concrete, and often creates large craters in the earth.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Taken together, these masterworks mirror Prieto’s own process, which often uses chance as a springboard for composition and which harnesses ephemera — memories, scents, poems, or even architectural fragments — to create new work.
    — Jill Singer, Curbed, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of fragment
Noun
  • Los Lobos emerged as a splinter organization from Los Choneros and has established routes into Mexico through relationships with organizations including Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Treasury said.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • One day, while washing a wooden cutting board, a splinter lodged in my left index finger.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of splinter
Noun
  • Step 3 Top zucchini mixture with remaining basil and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to serve.
    — Caroline Chambers, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Below are the treatments that relieved itchy symptoms and flakes for good.
    — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of flake
Noun
  • Smoke continued to rise from the twisted shards of metal, while the remains of the World Trade Center smoldered in a massive pile.
    — Sophia Leone, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Once the drop trap — a simple wire cage triggered by yanking on a cord — is set up with an enticing mix of sardines and shards of roast chicken on a cardboard tray inside, everyone moves out of sight behind massive logs a few yards away.
    — Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of shard

Browse Nearby Words

spading
spall
spalls
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Cite this Entry

“Spall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spall. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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