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
Roupp helped his own cause by making a nifty play to turn two in the sixth, spearing a comebacker behind his back before firing to shortstop Willy Adames to kick-start a 1-6-3 double play. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 Jafaar al-Samra had just sold an octopus, minutes after spearing it while snorkeling. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 2026
Noun
In addition to practicing at home with a spear to get the slasher movements just right, Haven would also send Schoenbrun videos with different Little Death walk options. — Matt Minton, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026 And whether you’re drawn to the garlicky crunch of a dill pickle spear or the sweeter, tangier bite of a bread and butter one, the Pickle Parlor in Mount Olive, North Carolina, is a must-do detour for pickle lovers. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 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
  • As part of the plea, Marodi also admitted to having a prior serious felony conviction stemming from the 2000 stabbing death of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The teen stabbed a police officer with a knife and stole his weapon -- a 9mm pistol -- just before the incident, then used it to carry out the attack.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of stab
Noun
  • One of the most memorable is witnessing the Maasai Games, where warriors compete in events such as sprinting, javelin throwing, high jump, and rungu throwing.
    — Nicola Shepherd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
  • On the island, Heiva i Tahiti has been celebrated every July since, with traditional dance, drumming, singing and sports, such as javelin throwing and canoe races.
    — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of javelin
Verb
  • More than 180 bullets pierced, cracked or shattered windows in six buildings on campus.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Juanita, also a grandmother, died of her injuries, while Jessica suffered several fractured ribs, one of which pierced her lungs, the lawsuit states.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • The pipes and pumps connect 210 snow cannons and 50 snow lances in the Adelboden-Lenk area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Fer-de-lance Fer-de-lance is a common name applied to highly dangerous pit vipers in the Bothrops genus, particularly in Central and South America.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of lance
Verb
  • It’s been a classic staple over decades of British comedy, which from Basil Fawlty to David Brent has rejoiced in puncturing pomposity to reveal idiocy and incompetence.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Think of it as a stamp that presses into the top layer of your skin, and deposits pigment instead of puncturing the skin thousands of times.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • Cannon said before pretending to jab his arm with a dosage while squealing from the pain and showing his vaccination card.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu jabbed back against the prevailing narrative yesterday, saying she was never invited to participate in the WNBA’s 3-point contest this weekend.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of jab
Verb
  • Later that day, her most devout followers rented a fleet of RVs, picked Didulo up from her apartment, and began driving across the country.
    — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her performance was the latest example of her sophomore surge, as Malonga is spearheading a Storm rebuild alongside 2026 first-round picks Johnson and Awa Fam.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Even after losing an arm, the old warrior manages to stick the Hightower lord, just in time to have Ulf and Silverwing appear above them.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Then the pandemic hit, and Piker was stuck in his one-bedroom apartment, depressed and alone.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spear

Nglish: Translation of spear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spear

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