splurge

1 of 2

noun

ˈsplərj How to pronounce splurge (audio)
Synonyms of splurgenext
: an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure

splurge

2 of 2

verb

splurged; splurging

intransitive verb

1
: to make a splurge
2
: to indulge oneself extravagantly
—often used with on
splurge on a new dress

transitive verb

: to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously

Examples of splurge in a Sentence

Verb You should let yourself splurge once in a while.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
But this is a collection of some of the biggest splurges in football — from Zinedine Zidane’s record move to Madrid in 2001 to Neymar’s eye-watering record fee at PSG — for better or for worse. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Karlie Kloss has yet to comment on her husband’s midlife crisis splurge. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
In winter, splurge for a room with a fireplace for the full mountain retreat effect. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 Pressman says splurging on one-time experiences like travel can be a way to enjoy some of that money without taking on additional ongoing expenses. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splurge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of splash and surge

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1844, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of splurge was in 1828

Rhymes for splurge

See All Rhymes for splurge

Browse Nearby Words

splunge
splurge
splurgy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splurge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splurge. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

splurge

1 of 2 noun
ˈsplərj How to pronounce splurge (audio)
: an instance of spending more than usual

splurge

2 of 2 verb
splurged; splurging
: indulge oneself or spend lavishly

More from Merriam-Webster on splurge

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for splurge

Nglish: Translation of splurge for Spanish Speakers

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