1
as in stabs
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 stimulates
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
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Recent Examples of spikes
Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Kiki Sideris, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
That is how hard Lancers outside hitter Sam Utu spikes the ball.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Gym attendance typically spikes in the months leading up to summer, according to industry data, as many Americans ramp up their fitness routines.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Inside the body, creatine supports ATP energy production during high-intensity effort, giving cells more available fuel when demand spikes.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
The evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage is topped by vibrant purple flower spikes in mid to late spring.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
The basic idea is that when anxiety spikes, pulling out a few sensory-engaging items can stave off panic by interrupting spiraling thoughts.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The discount carrier has struggled to emerge from its second bankruptcy as the war in Iran spikes the price of fuel.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Cut the flower spikes after blooming to encourage more flowers.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
The team identified a continuous midline feature that began as a fleshy crest along the neck and trunk and transitioned over the hips into a single row of spikes running down the tail — each spike positioned over a single vertebra and fitted to each other.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The devices, about the size of a microwave, charge when electricity demand is low and then run the AC for a few hours when demand spikes.
—Kiki Sideris, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
That is how hard Lancers outside hitter Sam Utu spikes the ball.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Gym attendance typically spikes in the months leading up to summer, according to industry data, as many Americans ramp up their fitness routines.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Inside the body, creatine supports ATP energy production during high-intensity effort, giving cells more available fuel when demand spikes.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
The evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage is topped by vibrant purple flower spikes in mid to late spring.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
The basic idea is that when anxiety spikes, pulling out a few sensory-engaging items can stave off panic by interrupting spiraling thoughts.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The discount carrier has struggled to emerge from its second bankruptcy as the war in Iran spikes the price of fuel.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Cut the flower spikes after blooming to encourage more flowers.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spikes
Noun
-
The result is a two-part video series that documents his research into the fire darts, as well as the construction of his very own set.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
14 May 2026
-
Its portfolio includes Matchroom Boxing, the Professional Darts Corporation and the World Snooker Tour, among other businesses, and the company represents star boxers Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor, as well as the reigning two-time darts world champion Luke Littler.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The staff manning the cart periodically struck the metal tops of the bottles of Clase Azul, a flourish that caused a few jumps among the more skittish attendees.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The last three jumps felt good.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The shower curtain opens, revealing an old woman, who stabs and decapitates Mary.—
Therie Hendrey-Seabrook,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 Mar. 2026
-
But this person who was a friend, who owes her career to me, just stabs me in the back.—
Maer Roshan,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Lion’s mane stimulates nerve growth factor and neurogenesis, enhances memory, focus, clarity and mood, and chaga mushrooms can enhance physical performance, oxygen utilization and give an endurance boost.—
Ryan Brennan
May 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
Initially, coffee may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure because caffeine stimulates the nervous system.—
Kristen Gasnick,
Verywell Health,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The finish came when Rollins nearly secured a victory but met his end after a pair of rib-splitting spears.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
-
Up next was pineapple, its spikes thoughtfully sheared smooth and cut into spears.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Kelly and Poupart think Achane will push for more from the the Dolphins, and that anticipated contract extensions by the Atlanta Falcons’ Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs will/should impact Achane’s contract extension.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
-
The unions were so fruitful that the team eventually signed both pitchers to contract extensions.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Joel, a 19‑year veteran, begins pursuing after another officer deploys a spike strip and punctures the Challenger's tires.—
Kelsy Mittauer,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The narrower design, combined with the several sharp teeth, effectively punctures through tough pepper skin and hard fruits to cut out the core and remove seeds in a matter of seconds.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Warhorses charge, lances down, crashing through the tilts as lances break on shields and men topple from their steeds.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Three or four decades ago, the newspaperman was appealingly raffish—at once a bum who drank too much and a knight-errant who charged unafraid at social injustice, succored the weak, and crossed lances with the powerful and arrogant.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spikes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spikes. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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