wastrels

noun

plural of wastrel
as in spendthrifts
someone who spends money freely or foolishly the black sheep of the family, he ended up being a wastrel and a drunkard

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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 wastrels Foster died destitute in 1864, after falling and injuring himself in the bathroom of a hotel on the Bowery, becoming perhaps the first of many famous wastrels in American popular music. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wastrels
  1. wasters
  2. spenders
  3. high rollers
Noun
  • On the other, evidence suggests this pair of habitual time-wasters were commonly found on the floor, running laughter through a Yamaha SPX90 effects processor for kicks and strumming the same note for 40-odd minutes.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Include categories for deep work, admin tasks, communication, and time wasters.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of wasters
Noun
  • In an election defined by affordability concerns, a climate group is emerging as one of the biggest independent spenders in support of Democrats this year.
    — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Why is one of the rich world's biggest public spenders again on fire?
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of spenders
Noun
  • Throughout the year, these frugal teams have accomplished quite a bit while matching up against the league’s high rollers.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • At a recent economic forum, Hill said high rollers are continuing to visit the city but lower-income visitors are not.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of high rollers

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wastrel
wastrels
watch
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Cite this Entry

“Wastrels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wastrels. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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