1
as in stabbed
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 stimulated
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
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Recent Examples of spiked
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Bold and fun, they’re best identified by their spiked sole and playful colors.
—Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2025
Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Spending spiked even higher following the pandemic in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiked
Adjective
Last week, the VIX—Wall Street’s fear gauge—spiked to its highest level since April before easing, amid new trade policy uncertainties.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Bold and fun, they’re best identified by their spiked sole and playful colors.
—Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
According to the Regional Plan Association, New Jersey's electricity rates spiked between 17 and 20% over the summer.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Spending spiked even higher following the pandemic in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiked
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiked
Adjective
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During his two-year spell in North London, Postecoglou also reveals the decidedly spikier side to his character.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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Jasmine petals, one of my favorite floral notes, is given a spikier edge alongside Australian pink pepper, while raspberry and spun sugar add a pleasing sweetness without being too much.—
Venus Wong,
refinery29.com,
30 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Investigators found the bodies nearby — Davis and Shelton had been shot, Friedt had been stabbed with a hunting knife whose blade broke off in her chest, and Flemmons died from asphyxiation after suffering blunt-force injuries, per A&E, citing Julie Young’s book The Burger Chef Murders in Indiana.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
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The ambassador stabbed Berry during the struggle, the Sheriff’s Office said.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The effect remained strong even when cells were stimulated with TGFβ, a major fibrosis-triggering molecule.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Oct. 2025
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Puzzle and activity feeders mimic natural hunting behavior and keep cats mentally stimulated.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Chinese reports stated that the attack-type wolf robots cleared barbed wire and trenches in three to five minutes, while the transport variants followed closely behind.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
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In the yard, decorations include nooses, hanging bodies, guards in towers and barbed wire fences.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ade stood over his bride, deeply concerned, when a lively drum roll pierced the air.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
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Consuelos discussed an increase in mosquitos while a buzzing noise pierced the air.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Watson stirred controversy late in life, tarnishing his reputation as a scientist in a series of racist remarks.—
Christina Zdanowicz,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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The Hill’s Emily Brooks reports that Roberts’s statement has stirred backlash from GOP senators and several traditionally conservative organizations, including from staffers inside Heritage itself.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Rose now realizes the smeared, dark, jagged edges are an abstract human.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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All the shadows and jagged angles evoke German Expressionism, distorting Ronnie’s confrontation into something both surreal and terrifyingly recognizable.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Researchers in Mexico have developed a revolutionary zinc-air battery (ZAB) that keeps running even after being punctured, exposed to flames, or even completely submerged in water.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
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Their necks were broken and they were dragged away to the bush to be impaled, their bowels punctured.—
Adam L. Rovner,
The Conversation,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spiked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiked. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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