spray 1 of 2

verb

Definition of spraynext
as in to sprinkle
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on sprayed the lawn with pesticides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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spray

2 of 2

noun

1
as in twig

Related Words
2
as in mist

Related Words
3
as in spritz

Related Words
4
as in corsage

Related 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 spray
Verb
Masked federal agents have pepper-sprayed a 72-year-old woman near a park, and agents appeared at a hospital emergency room to treat a detainee. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Battered cars with numbers sprayed on their sides are whipping around the dirt track of the Lebanon Valley Speedway, loose fenders flopping like overgrown bangs in the swirling dust. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
This spray has replaced my toner—and, in a pinch, sometimes my face wash—on trips, meaning fewer products to consider and much faster packing. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 Better yet, convert all overhead spray zones to inline drip irrigation. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spray
  1. sprinkle
  2. twig
  3. mist
  4. spritz
  5. corsage
  6. pepper
  7. sprig
  8. spit
Verb
  • This week brought me from Belgian Gothic seminaries to Victorian mansions, with a few aggressively average $4,700 apartments sprinkled among them to keep us grounded.
    — Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Documentaries are sprinkled throughout other sections of TIFF, including Galas, Special Presentations, and Wavelengths.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Noun
  • The trees also tend to drop small twigs and branches because their wood is relatively weak.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • Then, place a small twig under the rim to create a small gap.
    — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 29 May 2026
Definition of twig
Noun
  • In an effort to stymie the foul smell, part of the facility is wrapped in plastic sheeting while large fans spray odor-control mist around the warehouse.
    — Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The bestselling quilt set comes in more than 10 calming colors including glacier blue, mist gray, and pine green.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of mist
Noun
  • The bartenders here get super creative with their drink recipes—the tomato and basil spritz, for instance, features gin, vermouth, prosecco, and tonic, as well as tomato slices and sprigs of basil.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Parents can indulge in a kid-free night and enjoy the coastline’s romantic soul with a waterside spritz or wine tasting in the hills of Ravello.
    — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of spritz
Noun
  • Stolen items included a pearl tiara and corsage-bow brooch belonging to Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Sorry, Miss Manners would like to be of help, but a corsage is a bad idea.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Definition of corsage
Verb
  • Our experts suggest using salt and pepper and adding herbs, spices, or citrus.
    — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The typical guests were generally older couples, average age somewhere around 55-65, peppered here and there with larger groups of friends or families.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of pepper
Noun
  • Strain into a rocks glass; garnish with a lemon wheel and sprig of fresh sage.
    — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The Lavish Habits — gin or vodka with coconut cream, orange blossom, celery bitters, lemon and lime topped with a sprig of fresh dill, $15 — is my new favorite summer cocktail.
    — Beth Rankin, Denver Post, 27 July 2026
Definition of sprig
Noun
  • The grill comes with a rotisserie kit that includes a spit, two spikes, and a motorized turner that attaches to the right side of the cooking chamber.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Moroccan forces beat back crowds with batons and tear gas at the gates to Ceuta, trying to prevent more from storming across into the tiny Spanish territory that juts on a spit of sandy land into the Mediterranean from Morocco.
    — Michael Francis Gore, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of spit

Browse Nearby Words

sprawls
spray
sprayed
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Cite this Entry

“Spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spray. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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