spike 1 of 2

Definition of spikenext

spike

2 of 2

verb

1
2

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 spike
Noun
The workweek starts on a winter-like note before a brief temperature spike by midweek. Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026 After a two-year spike during the pandemic and national outrage over police accountability, Chicago began to see a decline in homicides in 2022. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
So, when inflation in groceries and consumer goods spiked in 2021—even for a relatively brief period—low- and middle-income Americans had precious little slack left to absorb it. Gene Ludwig, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026 On December 4, shares spiked more than 13% intraday. Bob Woods, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spike
Noun
  • Throw a dart, and you’re bound to hit a celebrity wearing this Audrey Hepburn-esque fringe (don’t actually throw darts at people).
    Loren Savini, Allure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • For centuries, people gathering in bars and pubs have found ways to occupy their time, whether that’s classic games like billiards and darts or more recent inventions like video games and mechanical bulls.
    Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The short program — which caps at two minutes, 40 seconds — leans as much on precision and storytelling as jumps.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Minnesota was locked in defensively from the jump and overcame a slow shooting start to run away from the Heat in the second half.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The woman who was stabbed is in stable condition, and the man is in critical condition, the spokesperson said.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Early the following morning, Anaheim police officers responded to the intersection of Santa Ana and Helena streets after witnesses reported seeing two men chasing Reyes and one of them stabbing him.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than activating the olfactory nerve, the system stimulates the trigeminal nerve, a sensory pathway in the nasal cavity responsible for conveying touch, temperature, and irritation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2026
  • These channels are tuned to trigger a voltage spike and tell the trap to close only if stimulated multiple times in rapid succession.
    Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Yiyoguaje sported a spectacular headdress of layered feathers that cascaded down his back, blue and pink, green and yellow, topped by three long macaw feathers standing up like spears.
    Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Yet when boiled, the sap turned black and could be used as poison on the tips of darts and spears.
    Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But there’s certainly been a bit of an upturn in form with a few people as well, which is really welcome.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The oversold upturn would be confirmed with upside follow-through from the recent breakout, supporting a more decisive turnaround in 2026.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Whistle blasts pierced the early January chill in a now-familiar community response employed by activists in US cities to alert neighbors to the presence of immigration officers.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • As for what these glorious creatures sound like, the great eared nightjar's piercing call can be heard at dawn and dusk.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Add garlic and panko and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, 3-5 minutes.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Add Cajun seasoning, garlic, salt, and thyme; cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spike. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spike

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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