1
as in stabbing
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in stimulating
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 spiking
Later this month, Utah grief author Kouri Richins is set to stand trial after she was charged with spiking her husband's drink in 2022 with a fatal dose of fentanyl.
—
Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Lyst said the designer bag achieved its top traffic driving month in November spiking 291 percent in demand quarter-over-quarter.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2026
The brain relies on relatively sparse neurons that communicate with pulses in spiking patterns.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Feb. 2026
The measles rash often starts on the face and spreads downward, with concomitant fevers spiking dangerously to 104°F or higher.
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Go at a slow, steady pace so the focus is on balance and control rather than on spiking your heart rate.
—Jenny McCoy, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
However, pairing the two will have a gradual effect on your blood sugar rather than spiking it, thanks to the proteins and fats in Greek yogurt.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Given the current budget shortfall, the price tag for keeping data centers from spiking utility rates should be a nonstarter.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
During last January’s winter storm, Dunn said, Oncor noticed those types of accidents spiking just as ice started accumulating.
—Sue Ambrose, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026
Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Lyst said the designer bag achieved its top traffic driving month in November spiking 291 percent in demand quarter-over-quarter.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2026
The brain relies on relatively sparse neurons that communicate with pulses in spiking patterns.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Feb. 2026
The measles rash often starts on the face and spreads downward, with concomitant fevers spiking dangerously to 104°F or higher.
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Go at a slow, steady pace so the focus is on balance and control rather than on spiking your heart rate.
—Jenny McCoy, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
However, pairing the two will have a gradual effect on your blood sugar rather than spiking it, thanks to the proteins and fats in Greek yogurt.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Given the current budget shortfall, the price tag for keeping data centers from spiking utility rates should be a nonstarter.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
During last January’s winter storm, Dunn said, Oncor noticed those types of accidents spiking just as ice started accumulating.
—Sue Ambrose, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiking
Verb
-
Mohammed Ahmad Hussein al-Halsi was sentenced in 2016 to 18 years behind bars for stabbing elderly women.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Another Jefferson County circuit judge, Jessica Green, last year drew local and national criticism after granting shock probation to a 32-year-old man accused of abducting a mother and two children and stabbing the mother during a bank robbery.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your 3rd House of Communication receives a stimulating Solar Eclipse, creating a fresh channel for neighborhood ties and the everyday conversations that keep life moving.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Key Takeaways Dandelion tea helps digestion and gut health by protecting liver health, stimulating bile production, and supporting a healthy microbiome (community of microbes in the gut).—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In episode 9, the duo was hard at work picking whom to murder and throwing off the faithfuls from discovering their traitor identities.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
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Not for a second did any draft people try to get cute and start talking about picking Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey or Edgecombe or Knueppel at the top.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The dynamic Sun in your 10th House of Career and Status squares rebellious Uranus in your 1st House of Identity, stirring shifts in your visibility.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Curiosity widens your world as the intuitive Moon enters your 9th House of Higher Learning, stirring questions about subjects and plans that reach beyond your daily routine.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Testing is also challenging, as finding a leak requires puncturing the spinal canal, which can create new leaks.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
17 Jan. 2026
-
The past two months of mostly sideways churn within 3% of record highs for the S & P 500 has helped to rebalance the market, puncturing the aggressive sense of destiny around many AI plays, subduing some speculative misbehavior and allowing valuations to settle.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Mourinho shot off down the touchline, fingers jabbing the air, hugging a ballboy in jubilation.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Though none of the celebrity moms in question have publicly spoken about the drama, earlier this week, Koma, whom has also produced several of Duff's songs in the past, shared a meme to his Instagram Story jabbing Tisdale French's piece in The Cut.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Create Pools of Light Harsh, piercing lights tend to feel more sterile than serene.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
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The agency points to the conduct of some protesters, who follow officers with their cars, block them in the street, curse at their faces, blow ear-piercing whistles and clamor outside their hotels at night.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The coating forms a rough texture that prevents liquids from sticking.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Velzeboer passed Sarault with three laps to go and held off challenges, sticking her right skate over the line and raising both arms aloft.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spiking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiking. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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