spills 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of spill

spills

2 of 2

noun

plural of spill
as in falls
the act of going down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily she tripped over the toy and had a nasty spill on the stairs

Synonyms & Similar 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 spills
Verb
When Mexico wins, and does so with authority at a World Cup, the party spills into the streets. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Grief has always been at the core of the French Cuban twin duo’s work, but joy spills over in the rumbling electronic-R&B production, dramatic strings, and exultant hand percussion of Offering, their first album as independent artists. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 But the director has more to work with than an on-the-field upset, the unfancied nation also having to contend with an exhausting trip across the Atlantic, temptations both romantic and financial, and a breakdown in team spirit that spills over into violence. Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026 When local roads deteriorate into the resurfacing or reconstruction categories, the financial burden inevitably spills over onto the balance sheets of regional businesses. Mark Pittman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Around the corner, sunlight spills across the wooden floors at Arcadia Books. Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026 Otherwise, the charming village of Moltrasio—a jumble of ochre houses, a cooperative market, a couple of trattorie, a gelateria, and narrow streets that confound drivers—spills from the slopes of Mount Bisbino to the lake. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 After sunset, a taste of Dalmatian cuisine is a must at Kornat (for traditional presentations of fresh seafood and other local staples) or Labrax Fish and Wine Bar (for an innovative approach and outdoor seating that spills onto a square). Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 The said, if something spills in your trash can, Murphy recommends cleaning it immediately instead of waiting. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026
Noun
The inside is just as exciting, with a water-resistant microfiber leather lining that’s easy to clean while traveling—because spills happen. Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026 Tips To Keep Your Stove Grates Clean Longer Clean up spills and messes as soon as the burner and grates have cooled to prevent a buildup of residue. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 July 2026 Ants are attracted to crumbs, spills, sugary substances, and accessible water sources. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026 Santos’ approach to the game contains mild thrills and minimal spills. Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Start with removing food sources for flies, like trash, pet waste and spills. Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026 Think of it as functional floor art that can still stand up to soup spills and sourdough baking. Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026 Waterproof surfaces like quartz or marble handle spills and splashes without staining. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 The fabric is easy to wipe down if something leaks or spills (a common occurrence during my travels). Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spills
Verb
  • The bankruptcy case reveals significant claims from Concord Mills of $606,200, as well as other mall landlords including Roosevelt Field in New York, Woodfield Mall in Illinois, and the Mall of Georgia.
    Catherine Muccigrosso July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • Picking just 17 performances (across a dozen films and five TV appearances) from his half-century career was remarkably difficult, but the list below reveals the breadth of his underrated ability.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Grab bars — rails attached to walls, particularly in bathrooms — help provide balance and prevent falls, preventing serious injuries, said Jim Christian, founder of the effort to push Medicare to cover the devices, Safety Bars for America.
    Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
  • The river dropped 60 feet between boulders in a series of falls and continued downstream in a dangerous half mile of holes and boils.
    John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • One line, on page 157, discloses an investment in gold bars valued at between $500,000 and $1 million.
    Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 30 June 2026
  • Additional information about the process is expected to be revealed when the operator discloses its second quarter earnings on the morning of July 23.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Biden's halting gait, frail appearance and frequent verbal stumbles eventually doomed his 2024 reelection campaign.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Early offense from Rushing and Shohei Ohtani backed Eric Lauer’s six innings, while bullpen stumbles allowed Colorado to force extra innings.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Every so often someone discovers that a distant relative has left them an unexpected inheritance.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Torn between brotherly love and marital loyalty, Irwin discovers he’s ensnared in forces far beyond his control.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • But their erotic encounter is short-lived, as Joe tumbles and blows his back out while sheepishly dancing to Sade.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • This highly competent, obsessive duo tumbles into a self-destructive cat-and-mouse dynamic — but who’s the cat and who’s the mouse?
    Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The thing is Georgia wasn’t antagonizing her (and Ariana tells her as much).
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026
  • Blake’s 7 tells the story of Roj Blake, a political dissident working against the totalitarian Federation controlling Earth and its colonies.
    William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Iván stars as Joseph Santiago, a former felon who uncovers a corporate cover-up while investigating a car accident on behalf of a victim’s family.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 July 2026
  • Angels In Darkness follows a troubled private investigator who uncovers a secret cult’s plan to unleash an ancient force, as the boundary between worlds begins to collapse.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Spills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spills. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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