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
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the crash, with aerial footage showing firefighters spraying fire retardant on the burning wreckage while thick black smoke rose above the base. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 Skip The Fragrance And Disinfectants One of the biggest misconceptions is that homeowners should spray disinfectants or fragrances into the vents to eliminate odors. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
Noun
Nobody loves bug bites or the scent of being doused in bug spray. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Use a texturing spray or wax and your fingers for a spiky look. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 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
  • For a glossy, sparkly finish, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and sprinkle all over with Turbinado sugar before baking.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One of the surprises aboard Beyond was the enviable art sprinkled throughout every nook and cranny.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 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
  • Legionnaires’ Disease Germs that live in hot tubs or pools can also infect people who breathe in steam or mist coming off the water.
    — Amanda MacMillan, Health, 30 July 2026
  • Phlur has a very expansive selection of body mists with a slew of fitting options.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 July 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
  • 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
  • Usually, that meant simply shaking salt and pepper over the tomato slices.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 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
  • 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
  • Sitting on a spit of land jutting out into Lake Erie, Cedar Point Shores draws inspiration from local Great Lakes culture, weather, wildlife, and lore for its rides, slides, and attractions.
    — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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