1
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
he spiked what otherwise would have been a dry economic lecture with some jokes and anecdotes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in jump
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spike
Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
City officials are extending a restriction on Red Bikes, as well as Bird and Lime electric scooters, during the nighttime hours in response to a spike in crime in Cincinnati's urban core.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025
New Atlas, 13 July 2025
Lowering the cost of eggs, which spiked in recent years as an avian flu outbreak ravaged American flocks, was one of President Donald Trump's key campaign promises in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spike
Verb
Amodei, the head of Anthropic, warned last month that the technology could cause a dramatic spike in unemployment in the very near future.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
City officials are extending a restriction on Red Bikes, as well as Bird and Lime electric scooters, during the nighttime hours in response to a spike in crime in Cincinnati's urban core.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025
Noun
Normal regulation would see cortisol levels spike when the body perceives a threat, then return to baseline afterward.
—New Atlas, 13 July 2025
Lowering the cost of eggs, which spiked in recent years as an avian flu outbreak ravaged American flocks, was one of President Donald Trump's key campaign promises in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spike
Verb
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At some point, one of Valle's friends allegedly gave him a knife, which was used during the brawl to stab McGrath.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
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Wallace was talking about his 4-year-old son, Jordan Wallace, who, according to prosecutors, Tolbert stabbed more than 36 times, killing him on Independence Day morning.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Doing so could stimulate economic growth, and would be warmly welcomed by the White House and investors.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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Examples include flashing notifications that make your phone jump and squeak, colorful rewards when others like your posts, and algorithms that push out the most emotional content to stimulate your most base emotions of anger, shame or glee.—
Lisa Schirch,
The Conversation,
7 July 2025
Noun
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At Euro 2022, the players nicknamed him ‘Van Gerwen’ — after the Dutch darts player, a three-time PDC world champion, such was his love of the game.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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When the layer was unearthed, researchers found more than 450 lead missile acorns, a type of small projectile, and nine iron dart tips, according to the release.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
Noun
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There’s a misconception that HIIT only consists of high impact exercises like jumping jacks, burpees and squat jumps, says Milton.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
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With no wind, the court became something of a power chamber — the compact sand lending itself to higher and cleaner jumps, the still air enabling blistering serves and monstrous spikes that might have drifted wide on the beach.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
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With piercing honesty and raw emotion, Jean Smart delivers a powerful monologue in Call Me Izzy, a new play written by Jamie Wax and directed by Sarna Lapine.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
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The hot nights pierced with cold decisions on young men’s futures.—
Devon Henderson,
Oc Register,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Just the idea of a super-fight between generations has already stirred the pot.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Roast, stirring twice, until corn is browned, about 20 minutes.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
Noun
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This Windy City homage features mustard, relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, onions, celery salt, and a pickle spear on a poppy seed bun.—
Nasha Smith,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Chicago Dog: mustard, relish, dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and celery salt.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, Emery was convinced by Villa’s analysis, who explained that Duran had experienced a newfound upturn in form towards the end of the MLS season with Chicago Fire.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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If the engines hold up for the rest of the season, Mercedes could be set for a dramatic upturn in form.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spike. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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