1
2
as in jump
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
he spiked what otherwise would have been a dry economic lecture with some jokes and anecdotes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
CBS News, 8 May 2026
Spirit executives said their restructuring plan failed because of an unanticipated $100 million spike in fuel costs in March and April.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Inflation has topped the Fed’s 2% target for five years and is now rising faster because of spiking gas prices.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spike
Noun
Commuters across Georgia are feeling the squeeze this week as gasoline prices saw a dramatic spike, jumping nearly 30 cents per gallon in the last week.
—CBS News, 8 May 2026
Spirit executives said their restructuring plan failed because of an unanticipated $100 million spike in fuel costs in March and April.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Verb
And the number of federal workers looking for a new job spiked at the start of last year.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Inflation has topped the Fed’s 2% target for five years and is now rising faster because of spiking gas prices.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spike
Noun
-
This counter was counter-countered then counter-counter-countered as composite armors were invented that consisted of steel, ceramics, and composites, which then later to contend with high-velocity darts made of depleted uranium.—
David Szondy
May 07,
New Atlas,
7 May 2026
-
Fish and Wildlife officials tranquilized the animal with a game dart, after which the mountain lion ran east over a fence before the dart started taking effect.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Strout indicates that their potential will be fulfilled in short, jump-ahead passages — one of the passages reveals that Artie inspires an awkward girl named Rhonda to help other people by becoming a minister.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
That’s a big jump from just 27% a year ago.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Bahm, who was on a call with 911 pleading for help, was also fatally stabbed after Fahim pushed through the door while Bahm was still on the call.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
Joao Palhinha drove into the box and stabbed over with his left foot.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Certain exercises can help slow bone loss and stimulate bone growth.—
RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan,
Health,
14 May 2026
-
The real show, however, takes place on the surface, as the big, meaty bugs stimulate some of the hottest topwater action of the year.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Reigns hit up a popup Superman punch and a spear.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
As Rollins got back into the ring, Breakker hit him with a spear.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Domestic sales and government largesse are driving the upturn, but activity is still affected by supply chain disruptions and businesses deferring spending.—
Dominic Dudley,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
-
Any hope that Liam Rosenior’s sacking 12 days ago would spark an upturn, especially after their FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds United, have been brought back to reality.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Gabrielle’s unflinching competence and dynamism belie acute sensitivity, and the actress allows hints of child-like hurt and hesitation to pierce the carapace.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
Because errors constantly occurred and changes were frequently made to the code, Hamilton sometimes edited the printout by hand by sealing excess holes with clear tape or piercing missing ones in the paper tape with a sharp pencil.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
February 19 – March 20 A conversation could stir feelings that are older than the topic itself.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
Bring just to a boil over medium, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spike. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
