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
Despite the hefty price tag, Travel + Leisure writers will tell you that the Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel is worth the one-time splurge to avoid multiple baggage fees in the future. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026 Shifting mentality Rina Patel used to save up all her miles from work trips only for international vacation splurges. — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Verb
Some people experience frugal fatigue—the urge to splurge after long periods of strict spending. — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 In April, Williams hammered out a two-year extension that pushed off retirement talk and let the 49ers focus elsewhere in the draft instead of splurging on a replacement. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 5 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 8 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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