spear 1 of 2

Definition of spearnext

spear

2 of 2

noun

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
As settlers moved into the area and took tribal lands near the river for farming, the Bindjareb resorted to taking the settlers’ crops and spearing their cattle for food. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026 Mikel Arteta reflected on how his group lived the period between points inexplicably frittered away at Wolves and confidently spearing the heart of their rivals four days later. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
Reigns charged Fatu, but ate a spear for a nearfall. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that takes a few years to produce edible spears. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spear
Verb
  • Swan screamed and tried to get up from her seat, but Matthews allegedly held onto her right arm and stabbed her approximately 18 to 20 times, the affidavit says.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
  • Authorities said Anthony admitted stabbing Metcalf and asked whether the teen would be OK.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Sergei Bubka of the Soviet Union breaks his world outdoor pole vault record and Seppo Raty of Finland smashes the world javelin record during the Toto International Super Track and Field Meet in Japan.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • The first field events of 2026 are a series of high school girls championships, including discus throw, shot put, long jump, high jump and javelin throw.
    Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Tillis punctuated every strikeout with an ear-piercing scream and fist pump.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • According to the notice, if the toy has been ruptured or pierced, or if sand has escaped the toy, Orb Factory has directed consumers to put on a mask and gloves and use damp cloths to pick up any sand that has leaked out.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Benjamin began Wednesday’s quarterfinals at Constitution Hall by correctly spelling vamplate, a round plate of iron mounted on the shaft of a lance or tilting spear to protect the hand.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Other perennial species are starting to become more widely available at specialty nurseries including lance leaf blanket flower, Gaillardia aestivalis, which is native to the southeastern United States.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • In worst-case scenarios, the ice punctures the hull.
    Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
  • Either way, Temple IV remains the classic climb, with the famous view across a canopy punctured by stone.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • And now, 44 years on, new generations of Villa fans could also cherish the moment when Buendia’s cross was jabbed in from close range by Morgan Rogers for the third, ensuring every Brummie in Istanbul could relax and soak in the game’s final 30 minutes.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The president has kept up his criticism of Leo, jabbing the pope in a May 4 interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on the eve of Rubio’s visit.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • An in-house florist picks flowers from the gardens daily.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Since November, 50 people had been hospitalized in California after accidentally picking and eating poisonous wild mushrooms, according to the California Department of Public Health.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • The documents include a guide on how to create stencils for graffiti and another on how and where to place large posters advertising the group, including instructions on how to mix flour and water to create wheat paste to stick the posters up.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The suspect sped through the 10 Freeway eastbound at around 100 mph while sticking close to the center divider.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spear. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spear

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster