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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • Include categories for deep work, admin tasks, communication, and time wasters.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of wasters
Noun
  • Airlines have been adding new lounges, extra premium seats and more international routes to lure those high-spenders.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
  • And the spenders have, by and large, been the only ones with a true shot at the championship.
    — Molly Geary, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of spenders
Noun
  • 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
  • Much as Las Vegas casinos plied high rollers with gourmet meals and lavish entertainment, sports gaming apps are now rewarding VIP bettors with luxury suite access, autographed jerseys and unique fan experiences.
    — Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of high rollers

Browse Nearby Words

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 5 Oct. 2026.

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