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
Some areas and cities, including New York, spray pesticides to try to prevent the spread of the virus. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026 As an additional protection, the frame is sealed with a splash-resistant rating, meaning the internal electronics are safe from dust ingress and spray during damp morning commutes. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
Knight, who was driving the car, was minorly injured by the spray of bullets, while Shakur took the brunt of the gunfire. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 Among the other gifts offered by businesses in the strip mall are temporary hair color spray from Joan Barry Hair Designers, celebrating 25 years in business, and sidewalk chalking from 40-year-old mall business Love’s Yogurt. — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 7 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
  • Thursday’s off day couldn’t come at a better time, and there are more days off sprinkled throughout the final six weeks of the season.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • These are small to large grasslands usually sprinkled with wetlands (glacial potholes) and set amid private farmland, which supplies the grain.
    — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 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
  • The backgrounds are sparse and artifical, with generous bloomed lighting and mist applied to seemingly random places.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Whereas for makeup wear, pro makeup artist Naoko Scintu, who counts Kate Hudson, Florence Pugh, and Maude Apatow as clients, says a mist can add a first layer of hydration or a weightless dewiness to your look.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of mist
Noun
  • Perfectly proportioned for long drinks like a spritz, a soda with bitters, or anything built over ice, these stemless glasses are a versatile choice for anyone who wants to avoid going too matchy-matchy with their glasses.
    — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
  • At first spritz, you’re instantly enchanted and uplifted by sparkling, tart notes of pomelo and yuzu.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 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
  • In response, the researchers peppered Copilot with questions about the guardrails that required user confirmation before the assistant could execute powerful commands.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fiscal came back with a tombstone attempt, but Fenix escaped and peppered him with more kicks.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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
  • Defensive tackle Brendan Bett is best known for his spit work against USF in the loss that unraveled Florida’s season, but his three sacks were the third-most of any Gator last year.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Most residents of Rocky Ripple, built on a spit of land between the White River and the Indiana Central Canal, had evacuated the night before as the Indianapolis Department of Public Works began closing floodgates.
    — Tilly Robinson, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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