spear 1 of 2

verb

Definition of spearnext
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object she speared a pea with her fork and angrily flung it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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spear

2 of 2

noun

ˈspir How to pronounce spear (audio)
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
There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026 His ideas are later used to discourage violently spearing food with a knife, and instead promote the pacifist chopstick. — New York Times, 17 July 2026
Noun
Breakker delivered a devastating spear to Evans, leveling him into the barricade. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Spears and a club The team found a pointed stick and two spears lying close to the antlered skulls of red deer. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spear
  1. stab
  2. javelin
  3. pierce
  4. lance
  5. puncture
  6. jab
  7. pick
  8. stick
Verb
  • For Crystal, this occurred at the end of 2025, his annus horribilis, when Reiner and wife Michelle were found stabbed to death at their Brentwood home.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The teen accused of fatally stabbing a homeless Roseville woman faced a judge and the woman’s family Tuesday during his first court appearance in the slaying.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of stab
Noun
  • His deep ball and his javelin toss can easily clear 50 yards.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The feeling came again when Wright, who played hockey, netball, tennis and javelin at county level in her teens, turned her hand to rugby.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of javelin
Verb
  • There is an accumulation of metal fragments around piercing part and gears of can opener.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash falls apart when pierced with a fork.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • In the end, director Duong, recognizing Aunt Hanh’s residual indignation, lances that boil.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Additionally, objects of cultural patrimony such as five pairs of moccasins, one coupstick, one Cheyenne cradle board and one lance were returned in the ceremony.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of lance
Verb
  • Like Trouble, Zukenee can lull you into a groove, then puncture that false sense of security with an abrupt shift in tone.
    — Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The sullen tribute to Payne settled the room into a cool near-silence, punctured by quiet gasps and muffled crying.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • Rainbow continued to jab the secretary of health as his primary opposition throughout the parody of the Frank Loesser song.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Then, inside the death house, executioners struggled to find a vein, jabbing Pike with at least seven needles, according to her lawyers, one of whom watched in dismay.
    — Keri Blakinger, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of jab
Verb
  • Others in the sales organization picked it up within twenty-four hours of him sharing it in Slack.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, studios seem to be picking works that come with a hungry audience attached but can still exist independent of their roots.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Raichlen’s career, in a way, is similar in that he’s never been stuck in the lane of writing about barbecuing only brisket and pork.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Hopefully, Goover will stick the landing with its product, and stick around for a while to come.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of stick

Browse Nearby Words

speak up
spear
spear-carrier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spear. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spear

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