SPOIL Synonyms: 247 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'spoil' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spoil are booty , loot , plunder , prize , and spoils . While all these words mean "something taken from another by force or craft," spoil , more commonly spoils , applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest. // the spoils of political victory

Q: When would 'booty' be a good substitute for 'spoil'?

Although the words booty and spoil have much in common, booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates. // thieves dividing up their booty

Q: When is it sensible to use 'loot' instead of 'spoil'?

The words loot and spoil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe. // picked through the ruins for loot

Q: When is 'plunder' a more appropriate choice than 'spoil'?

The synonyms plunder and spoil are sometimes interchangeable, but plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling. // a bootlegger's plunder

Q: In what contexts can 'prize' take the place of 'spoil'?

While in some cases nearly identical to spoil , prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy. // the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea

spoil 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spoil next

as in loot

valuables stolen or taken by force the bandits escaped with their lives but not with the spoils

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

spoil

2 of 2

verb

ˈspȯi(-ə)l

as in to taint

to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable too much coddling will spoil the child

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to decompose

to go through decomposition the meat has spoiled

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to damage

to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of know when to stop, for an unnecessary brushstroke can spoil a painted portrait

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to indulge

to treat with great or excessive care when they were newlyweds, the wife tended to spoil her husband, but she soon got over that

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spoil differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spoil are booty, loot, plunder, prize, and spoils. While all these words mean "something taken from another by force or craft," spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest.

the spoils of political victory

When would booty be a good substitute for spoil?

Although the words booty and spoil have much in common, booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates.

thieves dividing up their booty

When is it sensible to use loot instead of spoil?

The words loot and spoil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe.

picked through the ruins for loot

When is plunder a more appropriate choice than spoil?

The synonyms plunder and spoil are sometimes interchangeable, but plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling.

a bootlegger's plunder

In what contexts can prize take the place of spoil?

While in some cases nearly identical to spoil, prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy.

the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea

Examples 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 spoil

Noun

Jimmy and Gaby have been enjoying the spoils of a mutually beneficial friendship-with-benefits, but in Episode 2, their special arrangement topples in the messiest of ways. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 19 Oct. 2024 For all their spoils, the NS-600A's brighter tonal flavor can sometimes evoke more bite in the upper register than some of my favorite speakers at their lofty price point. —

Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 13 May 2024

Verb

However, Cleveland can still spoil a potential playoff run for Washington. —

cleveland, 17 Dec. 2022 So, who exactly could spoil the Astros' pursuit of a third Commissioner's Trophy? —

Michael Shapiro, Chron, 12 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for spoil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoil

Noun

Legend says the outlaw Butch Cassidy hid vast stashes of loot across the West.

Ethan Blevins, National Review, 5 Nov. 2024
So, not enough loot compared to how good the original felt.

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024