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
But what will keep viewers tuned in is the interpersonal drama that spills into these characters’ interactions even in the midst of terror and trying to escape the caves. Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Amanoi isn’t new, but this nearly perfect coastal hotel spills down the side of a mountain in a remote national park in Vietnam and continues to stun at every turn. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 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 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
Noun
Cream and white bouclé sofas are especially prone to showing spills, grime and dye transfer from clothing. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Moisture from rain, snow or humidity can damage your laptop, but a waterproof exterior also protects it from accidental spills. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2026 Cream and white bouclé sofas show spills, grime and dye transfer from clothing quickly. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026 The latter method works better on fabrics with a grain, like velvet, and with spills that aren’t entirely liquid, according to Micetich. Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026 Avoid attracting ants by cleaning spills right away, eliminating moisture, and picking up pet food. The Spruce, 15 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spills
Verb
  • Bone must be separated from surrounding rock millimeter by millimeter with a pneumatic chisel, whose needle gently breaks away rock while ultraviolet light reveals where the bone ends and the surrounding rock begins.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • That gap reveals that a lot of capital gets routed through low-tax jurisdictions before landing in its true home.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Key Takeaways Explosive power is crucial for daily tasks like standing and climbing stairs, as well as for preventing falls.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 26 July 2026
  • All 43 deaths indirectly caused by Hurricane Michael occurred in Florida and included those from traffic accidents or medical issues compounded by the storm, as well as falls during the cleanup after the hurricane.
    Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 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
  • Despite those stumbles, domestic ticket sales are roughly 10% above 2025, according to Rentrak, and the summer season is expected to surpass $4 billion for the second time since the pandemic upended the industry.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 19 July 2026
  • Biden's halting gait, frail appearance and frequent verbal stumbles eventually doomed his 2024 reelection campaign.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Along the way Danny discovers that family is not always the one you are born into, but the one that believes in you when no one else will.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Alice craves mentorship but can’t help noting how often Nora drinks on the job; Nora, who discovers Alice having a panic attack in the bathroom, wonders whether the newbie stands a chance of making it in the Bureau.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 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
  • That message tells us so much about Shai and his standing in the group.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Ramaswamy also tells patients to start a new conversation every time.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • From Mongolian throat singing to vocal health, accents, gaming, and more, High Notes uncovers the craft behind the business.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • 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

Cite this Entry

“Spills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spills. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spills

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster