SPIKEY Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

spiky

adjective

variants also spikey

Definition of spiky

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 These ads document the EV arms race playing out right now as companies beef up their electric offerings with higher profiles, spikier bodies, and more imposing grilles. — Curbed, 8 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for spiky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiky

Adjective

The confrontation between father and daughter, in which Taylor-Joy unloads Lucky’s resentments about growing up in the life, is one of the season’s most barbed moments.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026
But his view of Adrian’s methods, goals, and way of life end up making the bond of mentorship both tenuous and barbed.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

Disappointment has been the overriding theme of McGregor’s public life since his championship heyday, which ended with an emphatic, caustic loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

— Mark Puleo, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Rohmer’s caustic cynicism Conversely, a filmmaker of the French New Wave who has seen his stock rise during the last few years is Eric Rohmer, championed by Noah Baumbach among others.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of caustic

Adjective

Her sardonic wit, which rivals that of LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, Courtney Love and David Byrne, shines throughout the album.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026
The Leeds quartet built a reputation on sardonic observations about modern life, packaging political unease inside wiry post-punk.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026

Definition of sardonic

Adjective

The rock concept is a fresh context for her work with Cook and Keane that still feels of a piece in its springy momentum, bright yet sour melodies, and the way even the heavy reverb seems to fly through clear air.

— Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Grilled oysters can pair with sour beers, but work better with pilsners, IPAs or strong Belgian styles like dubbels or tripels, especially when served with barbecue or other sauces.

— Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Definition of sour

Adjective

So Knox introduces Juliette to the acerbic ex-miner Mark Chambers, who also tells Madame Mayor to forget about Lukas.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026
At the level of style, there was nothing obviously flamboyant about Allen’s music, nor her presence on stage, the quiet, acerbic composure of her delivery.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Definition of acerbic

Adjective

The pilot is charming and funny, immediately drawing me into the dynamic of its two characters — Romy is a bit more gregarious and sarcastic, Bobby more sensitive and sullen.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Obviously, Dawkins is being very sarcastic here, but that’s the type of relationship these two share.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

How To Care For Onions In Pots Onions prefer well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic to neutral soil, such as potting soil with compost mixed in.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 2026
The way the soil responds will give you an idea of whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

Definition of acidic

Browse Nearby Words

spiking

spiky

spile

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Spiky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiky. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of spiky

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kludge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes