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
Avoid spraying liquids directly to prevent damage to internal components and ports. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 If additional hold is needed, Marjan recommends spraying Paul Mitchell Firm Hold Super Clean Extra Hairspray on the roots and brushing back before wrapping a second elastic around everything. — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 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
  • However, the Tar Heels have some dangerous playmakers sprinkled around the roster, including sophomore running back Demon June and junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who had 84 yards against TCU last season.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Coltrane is also deeply interested in the Buddhist principles of karma and dharma, or the moral duties and obligations to a right way of life, which are sprinkled throughout the novel.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 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
  • 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
  • The ultra-fine mist distributes evenly and leaves a natural, skin-like finish.
    — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 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
  • Evander Da Silva Ferreira scored his 13th goal — as Cincinnati peppered Seattle keeper Andrew Thomas with four shots in the 24th minute — to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of his first game back at Fenway Park, local reporters had their opportunity to pepper Devers with questions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 21 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spray. Accessed 31 Aug. 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 gumption

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

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

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

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

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
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
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All