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 documentary is more workmanlike than inspired, although Osder and Youmans ensure that its title has a deeper, barbed meaning.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Palestinian activist Eid Hatlin said barbed wire in the yard was placed by settlers.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

In Nobody Wants This, audiences meet Sasha in a similar place, happily married to his wife Esther (the winningly caustic Jackie Tohn) and dopily trying to connect with his tween daughter Miriam (Shiloh Bearman).

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026
Since her 2019 debut, PURGE, which drew from her experiences in the New York and Berlin rave and punk scenes, Chen has been moving toward ever-sharper contrasts between caustic drones and close-mic’d croons.

— James Gui, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of caustic

Adjective

These sections are narrated by the institutional voice of the CIA itself in a relentlessly sardonic tone rife with acronyms, codenames and jargon rendered in multiple fonts.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of sardonic

Adjective

Sure, Whitney and Lisa come to some kind of peace, but the vibe turns sour again when Angie once again takes the floor and starts fighting with Bronwyn over being called Lisa’s soldier.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
That way, her work ethic and generosity stay sweet and meaningful (when overexposure could easily turn them sour) and the show’s overall tone avoids becoming rote.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of sour

Adjective

Perry was best known for his role on Friends playing the acerbic and awkwardly charming Chandler Bing, a character that permanently shot him into the public eye.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026
Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of acerbic

Adjective

Sapp Coffee Shop is arguably less famous than Jitlada, though cherished by generations of Angelenos for a late-morning breakfast of boat noodles, frankly pungent and biting back with meaty, crunchy textures.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
In other research, analyses of molecules emitted from melanoma biopsy samples suggested that compounds such as the pungent chemical called 4-methyl decane could serve as a biomarker.

— Marta Zaraaska, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of pungent

Adjective

Eidra pushes her tendency to get glib and sarcastic rather than risk being vulnerable and honest to its farthest limits.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

The formula is acidic and built around citric acid, which helps reinforce the bonds color services weaken, and leaves hair smoother and easier to manage.

— Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
In the midst of a rich meal, something fresh and acidic keeps your taste buds awake.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiky

adjective

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