spoilsport

noun

ˈspȯi(-ə)l-ˌspȯrt How to pronounce spoilsport (audio)
Definition of spoilsportnext
as in killjoy
a person who spoils the pleasure of others if you don't want to play, at least don't be a spoilsport

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 spoilsport The spoilsports need to get back to their home state and do the job which their constituents elected them to do. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025 Suddenly, the Republicans were the spoilsports who couldn’t take the joke, a position stereotypically held by politically correct liberals. — Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024 This spoilsport effort has become fodder for late-night comedy routines and gripes about liberal overlords such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg banishing all fun. — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2024 Be prepared to be labelled humourless, difficult, a spoilsport, and a ruiner of parties, meetings, dinners, and picnics. — Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 11 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for spoilsport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilsport
  1. killjoy
  2. drag
  3. cynic
  4. bore
  5. complainer
  6. crab
  7. grinch
  8. wet blanket
Noun
  • In the end, at the risk of sounding like a killjoy, a real way to save the planet and save money is to just buy and produce less.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Which poem, and why did the killjoys at the magazine turn it down?
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of killjoy
Noun
  • In that case, the financial assistance big tech firms have extended to others in the industry could suddenly become drags on their growth.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The aftermath of the tragedy has created a drag on Sánchez’s campaign.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of drag
Noun
  • Williams led the Bears to an NFC North title and a playoff victory last season, but some cynics think the Bears are due for a regression this season.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That the earnestness the genre requires galls us cynics, who love to hide in our books, away from all those pesky bodies in the first place?
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynic
Noun
  • Many farmers rely on bore water, but some say their wells have been pumped dry by the gas industry, and their water is now being offered to the developers to help build the AI data center.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Legend held that the Roman race had sprung from Mount Ida in Troy, whose name Cybele bore—Magna Mater Idaea.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of bore
Noun
  • Or worse, teachers are reprimanded or face retaliation for being complainers, such as being written up or getting worse class assignments.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Similarly, keep the identity of the complainer confidential – reduce risk of reprisals or confrontations between neighbors.
    — Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of complainer
Noun
  • The commercial crab season has seen yearly delays for most of the last decade, due to entanglements and domoic acid concerns.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For me, the standout of the menu is the love-it-or-loathe-it durian crab curry.
    — Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of crab
Noun
  • However, a grinch mascot, who was on cleanup duty at the event, stepped in and saved the wedding, per WTAE.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The nonprofit donated almost $200,000 to the church for the materials a grinch stole.
    — Dawn White, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Definition of grinch
Noun
  • Martinez and Ishibashi play McConaughey and Harrelson’s real-life spouses like easily exasperated sitcom spouses, half disapproving wet blankets and half the only sane people in their respective families.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Games still need to be played, but after having a wet blanket like Billy Napier as their head coach for four years, Florida fans are ready to welcome a psycho like Sumrall to The Swamp with open arms.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of wet blanket

Browse Nearby Words

spoils (for)
spoilsport
spoilsports
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Cite this Entry

“Spoilsport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilsport. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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