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
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 Blackberries make beautiful garnishes, especially when speared with a rosemary sprig. — Anna Kovel, Martha Stewart, 10 July 2026
Noun
The same chargrill produces the usual skewers but also charred okra spears or smoky mushrooms. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026 Roasting keeps the spears tender while adding light browning and a slightly crisp exterior for better texture and flavor. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 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
  • In the narrative to has unfolded from authorities and passenger accounts, Machchhar had the presence of mind to open the locked door of the cockpit after he was stabbed.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Two men accused of stabbing an off-duty NYPD detective pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 14 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
  • The sound of jackhammering in the Horsches’ backyard pierced the otherwise quiet street Wednesday afternoon.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Another piece sliced through his salivary gland before bouncing off his jaw and piercing the back of his neck, severing an artery and embedding in a vertebra.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 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
  • Grill the potatoes, cut sides down first, then flip with tongs, until golden brown, crispy on the edges, and easily punctured by a thermometer probe.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • At stake are large payments the state receives as part of the compact, which the Tribe could suspend if its monopoly on sports betting is punctured.
    — Gray Rohrer, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • 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
  • At the tail end of their time on stage, the former castmates took the opportunity to jab at the Buffy revival’s cancellation earlier this year.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of jab
Verb
  • The broadcaster and champion of the high street, who transformed the fortunes of Harvey Nichols, picks her favourites.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While the three were picking their way through a clump of trees at the far end of the cornfield, half a dozen does came out of the willows single file, walked under my platform within six yards of me, and started to feed.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • As such, the greatest obstacle to genuine transformation is getting stuck in the planning cycle.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Chatten’s narrators are stuck in a perpetual apartness—desperate for safety and connection, but repeatedly failing to find it.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spear

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