1
as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
too much coddling will spoil the child
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2
as in to decompose
to go through decomposition
the meat has spoiled
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to damage
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
know when to stop, for an unnecessary brushstroke can spoil a painted portrait
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4
as in to indulge
to treat with great or excessive care
when they were newlyweds, the wife tended to spoil her husband, but she soon got over that
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spoil
cleveland, 17 Dec. 2022
So, who exactly could spoil the Astros' pursuit of a third Commissioner's Trophy?
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 12 Dec. 2022
Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Even without access to their own future picks, the Bucks are in such a bad spot that the only logical move is to bang the gavel on a Giannis bidding war and rebuild with the spoils.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoil
Verb
However, Cleveland can still spoil a potential playoff run for Washington.
—cleveland, 17 Dec. 2022
So, who exactly could spoil the Astros' pursuit of a third Commissioner's Trophy?
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 12 Dec. 2022
Noun
The spoils will go to the company that compiles the best pool of clickworkers.
—Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Even without access to their own future picks, the Bucks are in such a bad spot that the only logical move is to bang the gavel on a Giannis bidding war and rebuild with the spoils.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoil
Verb
-
With him alive, she was tainted by association with his poor behavior.—
Ann Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
9 July 2025
-
Combs’ reputation has been thoroughly tainted by the lurid details of the trial and strong condemnations from his many accusers.—
August Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
The decomposing roots serve as the host for the mushrooms to grow.—
Chris McKeown,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
The metamorphic rock from which Atlanta’s soil is derived also contributes to its alkalinity as does the constantly decomposing organic matter, consisting mostly of leaves, on the soil surface.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Don't use harsh cleaners, which can damage the grates.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 July 2025
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Baker, 37, indulged them, starting out of her Fairfax, Calif., living room a finance club that eventually became her present-day financial education startup, Dow Janes — which boasts an Instagram following of nearly half a million.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
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But unfortunately, indulging too much in fried foods will trigger your cortisol.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Knowing this, knowing that the briny deep awaits and that nobody’s coming to your rescue—along with the loot, the captain’s made off with the ship’s radio—would anyone blame you for being a little put-upon?—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
13 June 2025
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With the loot in hand, the suspect jumped out of the taxi and ran west on 41st Ave., according to police.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Verb
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The last weekend of June in Indianapolis was marred by a rash of shootings that left seven dead and nine others injured.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
30 June 2025
-
The Mets go the way of Francisco Lindor, and he’s been marred in his own slump this month.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Snorkelers and divers in Palm Beach County were recently stunned by a disturbing sight: starfish, also known as sea stars, with missing limbs, open wounds and bodies disintegrating on the ocean floor.—
Sonia Osorio,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2025
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Tropical Storm Barry disintegrated after striking Mexico early Monday morning while the National Hurricane Center continued to forecast the season’s next tropical depression or storm could form off the coast of Florida later this week.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Clark has been injured and has struggled lately, going just 13-of-47 from three-point territory in her last three games and missing six of the Indiana Fever's 16 games this season.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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At least 968 civilians were killed and over 4,800 injured.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoil. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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