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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of spike
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
But national crime data never showed a retail theft wave, though shoplifting did spike in certain cities like New York.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
In reality, home prices spiked, which Berry said also likely contributed to the gap.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spike
Verb
According to Wilson and his team at Morgan Stanley, the recession never materialized as a sudden collapse or sharp spike in unemployment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
But national crime data never showed a retail theft wave, though shoplifting did spike in certain cities like New York.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
Among Gen Zers, downloads of astrology apps have spiked in recent years, and industry reports project the global astrology market will top US$22 billion by 2031.
—Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
In reality, home prices spiked, which Berry said also likely contributed to the gap.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spike
Verb
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But her athletic triumph was tragically dampened by years of abuse at the hands of her husband and coach Jim Martin, who in 2010 attempted to murder her, stabbing her many times, slicing the flesh off the bone from her leg, and shooting her.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Harrison stabs Prater with the needle and knocks the billionaire out.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
7 Sep. 2025
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Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Isaac catches Thing’s dart, then reattaches Thing to his arm and buries Wednesday alive.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
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Williams’ final two completions of that drive went to receiver Rome Odunze, the first a 37-yard strike on a wide-open corner route, and the second a 3-yard scoring dart.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Nearly half, or 48%, said that the regulatory environment was transparent for their industry, a large jump from just 35% in 2024.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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This jump reflects growing conviction that QuantumScape has crossed the key threshold from promising research to a functioning product demonstration.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The fatal knife wound pierced Martin's sternum before going into his heart.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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Hospitals overflowing with patients ripped by shrapnel and pierced by bullets.—
Brendan Rascius,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As their mismatched personalities stir tension with each other — and the group — old resentments bubble up, forcing them to reckon with their relationship and the lives waiting for them back home.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Cook stirring frequently until walnuts are coated, about 5 to 6 minutes.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The match concluded when Breakker hit a spear on Jey to secure the win for his team.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
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The former, with that male colleague, could prove the spear of Disney’s destiny here.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But then, like how that summer’s World Cup prompted an upturn in football interest across England, 1990 also produced a wave of players who would contribute to the English national team reaching the past two European Championship finals.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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This stock is one of the few that features an upturn in monthly momentum.—
Bill Sarubbi,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spike. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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