variants
also spikey
as in barbed
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar 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 spiky
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
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
Common snappers range from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, while their spikier cousins are mostly found in the southern states west to Texas.
—Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023
Her hair was mostly swept up into a bun, emphasizing the straight line of her slightly spiky new bangs.
—Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 27 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for spiky
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
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
Common snappers range from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, while their spikier cousins are mostly found in the southern states west to Texas.
—Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023
Her hair was mostly swept up into a bun, emphasizing the straight line of her slightly spiky new bangs.
—Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 27 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for spiky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiky
Adjective
-
Through the 1960s, Black residents could not attend movies or plays at the segregated theater, and the property long had a fence topped with barbed wire facing the neighborhood.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
-
Against the backdrop of prison watchtowers and barbed wire, the day in Joliet featured three hours’ worth of pregame festivities, including 15 food trucks serving delicacies as quintessential as hot dogs and as unique as gourmet pasta in garlic bread cones.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Beth and Stacy would have ultimately gotten along after probably some kind of caustic series of remarks at the same bar.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Once again charming viewers with his native Australian accent, the actor remains effortlessly entertaining while using his charisma to neutralize caustic dialogue that would flatten a less likable performer on impact.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Both Angela Ingersoll, who played the ever-hopeful Sally, and Michelle Duffy, as the cynical realist Phyllis, pulsed with vivacious energy, playing across from Rapp’s sardonic take on wound-tight Ben and Wallem’s deeply sad exploration of Buddy.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Stephanie Koenig as Poppy, a sardonic dating app regular who tries her luck with Sasha.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What most of us know is a relationship that goes sour, and the one that guts you the most is a love that goes wrong.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
-
That won’t happen again, with the sour taste of an underachieving season and the temptation of seven-figure payouts likely resulting in something between a minor and major overhaul.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Critic Rex Reed, who died Tuesday at 87, built his career on savage, acerbic reviews delivered with little restraint, earning a reputation as a provocateur.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
The Probability of Miracles follows Campbell Cooper, an acerbic teenager dying of cancer who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, moves with her mom and younger sister to the town of Promise, where miracles are said to happen.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Wormwood Like rue, wormwood is another medicinal herb that’s typically grown as an ornamental these days and enjoyed for its delightfully pungent aroma.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
10 May 2026
-
Those bright, vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red also repel flies and other insects thanks to their pungent odors.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to Miranda's scathing remarks to Andy (Anne Hathaway) while trying to complete seemingly impossible tasks, Emily (Emily Blunt) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) taught her how to navigate office politics with their own sarcastic comments.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
-
Middle of Nowhere’s Kacey is witty, a bit sarcastic, alternately ecstatic and frustrated but always ready to entertain.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Most varieties prefer full sun to partial shade and rich, slightly acidic soil that drains well.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
-
Rex Reed, a critic and journalist known for his brash, often acidic takes on films and filmmakers, died Tuesday at his Manhattan home.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spiky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiky. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
