SPIKY Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

spiky

adjective

variants also spikey

Definition of spiky

as in barbed

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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 state oversees different types of facilities for kids in the justice system, ranging in security level from group homes to prisons surrounded by barbed wire.

— Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026
Which is to say, this is more a barbed comedy of manners than a proper, elegant period piece.

— Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

Online, Firstman’s personality can come off playful or caustic, depending on how generous the viewer is feeling.

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026
Villegas prevailed in a caustic primary over state lawmaker Jasmeet Bains, a moderate who was backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of caustic

Adjective

The Milk Carton Kids, comprised of Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, were their typical sardonic selves as returning hosts, but had some serious thoughts about AI, and Americana music as the antithesis of it.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Along with her equally intellectual and sardonic (some may even say pessimistic) best friend Jane, Daria provided a terrifically entertaining rebuke to late ’90s and early aughts culture.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of sardonic

Adjective

Other highlights include The Joyce’s Aperol and Sarti spritzes for $12 on Miami Beach and Bar Moxy’s $10 menu in Wynwood, which includes the Lalo apple cider margarita and a smoky maple sour with mezcal.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
One of the villain’s henchmen was a small, shaggy blue creature with a long drooping snout and a sour expression that lived in a cigar box.

— Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of sour

Adjective

Add monsters, revenge, and a sharp dose of acerbic wit, and this became a passion project for me.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Yiannopoulos’ acerbic and at times hateful speech attracted the fury of students who argued his views should not be platformed.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of acerbic

Adjective

Many glass cleaners use ammonia to cut through grease and grime, but instead of leaving your appliances polished and shiny, the pungent solution can actually leave a streaky, cloudy sheen on stainless steel.

— Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026
Rordam recommends avoiding fish and other pungent foods leading up to the open house and addressing any lingering odors beforehand.

— Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of pungent

Adjective

This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
The sarcastic Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and affable actor Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) are among her favorite characters.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

Estrogen loss thins the vaginal tissue and changes the microbiome, leading to a less acidic environment -- a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that cause UTIs.

— Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Lime green piping traced an aubergine silk skirt; flashes of acidic color appeared on necklines and linings.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of acidic

Browse Nearby Words

spiking

spiky

spile

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“Spiky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiky. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiky

adjective

Example Sentences

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