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

Relevance

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
Designed as a water-free alternative to costly water-spraying setups, this technology mitigates high track temperatures caused by extreme heat waves, reducing deformation risks and speed delays. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 The flu vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy, but pregnant people should avoid the nasal spray version, according to the recommendations. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
If a bear keeps approaching, use bear spray – it is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 Magnesium spray keeps trending on TikTok as a possible fix for nighttime leg cramps, and shoppers want to know whether the topical treatment actually delivers relief or if the hype is running ahead of the science. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 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
  • Lightly brush the dough with buttermilk and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Take vegetables to the next level by simply sprinkling some of it over top.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 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
  • Pale yellow ribbons weave between clouds; mist swirls with the body of dust.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Once considered a superfluous step, face mists have since become a more purposeful—and enjoyable—part of our skin care routines.
    — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of mist
Noun
  • Dine at the bar for a relaxed evening out, or enjoy long evenings on the spacious patio, spritz in hand.
    — Nicole Schnitzler, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Condiments should be sharp—a savory jolt of mignonette or vinegary hot sauce, an austere spritz of lemon—and the same goes for drinks.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 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
  • The brothers pepper in POV shots of the climbers to literally put the audience in their shoes, but don’t overplay their hand, maintaining palpable reality even when the challenges mount to comical levels.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • DeSantis was in command during moments like that, peppering Donalds and others with the questions.
    — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 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
  • But the remnants of Tropical Storm Edouard brought a merciful breeze, a cameo of clouds, and a spit of rain; with race day peaking at 97 degrees, this Texas endurance-racing test might have actually gotten lucky.
    — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of spit

Browse Nearby Words

sprawls
spray
sprayed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spray. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gist

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All