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
The midfielder spears an accurate long ball to Yildiz, setting him away into the box. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026 Roman Reigns speared Fatu through the barricade. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
Activities found every weekend at the Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire include axe or spear throwing, archery, dagger tossing, a Fight the Knight Challenge and a scavenger hunt. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 During his burial, an iron sword in a leather sheath was placed across his chest, with a spear next to him. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 June 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
  • Five years later, Conservative lawmaker Amess was stabbed multiple times in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 11 July 2026
  • Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, and Conservative David Amess was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of stab
Noun
  • Nebraska's Dyson Wicker won the pole vault at an NCAA-leading 19-2 1/4, and Texas A&M senior Zaza Nnamdi took javelin at 269-10.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 June 2026
  • In the girls field events, South Hadley’s Natalie Rios threw her personal best and achieved third best javelin throw in the state at 125-04.
    — Hannah Hughes, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
Definition of javelin
Verb
  • In his first international meeting with England, Messi had a pair of assists on two late-match daggers that pierced through the hearts of Three Lions’ players and supporters.
    — Gavin Godfrey, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • Finally, in 2024 in Chicago, in an accidental shooting, the same bullet pierced a 16-year-old boy and a policeman.
    — Cal Chengqi Fang, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • Bottom cleaners use lances to scrape biofoul off hulls.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Um dos lances mais bonitos da nossa história.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of lance
Verb
  • On June 3, Walden went to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the metal bristle had become lodged in his bowel and had begun puncturing his intestine.
    — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • His instinct is usually to puncture grand language before anyone else can.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • Zverev, who won the French Open and is seeking back-to-back Grand Slam titles, uses an insulin pen when needed to jab the top of his thigh during changeovers on court.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • Two of the points on the rear treble hook were jabbed deeply into the flesh on the outside of the pike’s mouth.
    — Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of jab
Verb
  • And his ability to lead — as a former catcher — also carried a lot of weight in the team’s decision to pick him sixth overall.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Because of that, Barça could pick him up for a bargain €22 million plus €7 million ($25 million plus $8 million) more in variables.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Their families clung to the shade of the trees on either side, where one woman had two American flags stuck through her ponytail.
    — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • That level of output convinced Vogt to stick him in the leadoff spot a little more than three weeks into his career and not look back.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 5 July 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 Jul. 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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