killjoy

noun

ˈkil-ˌjȯi How to pronounce killjoy (audio)
Definition of killjoynext
as in spoilsport
a person who spoils the pleasure of others his perpetually negative attitude made him a real killjoy when others were trying to have fun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 killjoy Stay a while Another eclipse killjoy? — Maya Silver, Outside, 21 Oct. 2025 Nauseatingly innocent and a self-righteous killjoy, April seems to have existed solely for the purpose of making everyone else on Grey's Anatomy look worlds more interesting. — Marc Snetiker, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Oct. 2025 The Civil War, which is jeopardizing his presidency, has turned him into an utter killjoy. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 Without being a complete spoiler-lobbing killjoy, this is a story heavily marinated in trauma, with an emphasis on two parties’ checkered past in particular. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for killjoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killjoy
  1. spoilsport
  2. cynic
  3. drag
  4. complainer
  5. bore
  6. grinch
  7. crab
Noun
  • The first thing Sweetpea does, after ditching her spoilsport colleague at the hotel, is pay a visit to SwiftGC, a payment processor recently acquired by Tender.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Granted, this might simply be an old-fashioned spoilsport way to view the market.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of spoilsport
Noun
  • Questions about whose interests Infantino is serving have developed beyond average cynics who tend to suspect this type of thing.
    — Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Trump’s insistence on lower rates isn’t helping matters, and cynics argue that Warsh doesn’t want to make the president angry.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of cynic
Noun
  • Despite the drag from China, the luxury sector returned to stronger growth in the second quarter.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Many costumes were trimmed in white lace and ruffles; a few guests came in full drag topped with elaborate hats.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of drag
Noun
  • Are they deluded into thinking that the complainers are just a squeaky wheel minority and the majority of fans are happy with it?
    — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 July 2026
  • Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026
Definition of complainer
Noun
  • Female flies bore into the fig to lay their eggs, which hatch out as larvae inside the fruit and eat the unripe insides before burrowing their way out.
    — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At the head of the lead breakaway group, the Ecuadorian bore the brunt of issues — he was nearly taken out by the Shimano neutral service vehicle, and had to slow due to the number of fans having shaken Kuss from his wheel with five kilometres left.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of bore
Noun
  • The nonprofit donated almost $200,000 to the church for the materials a grinch stole.
    — Dawn White, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
  • To play off the flavor of the candy, the grinch-green dough has a subtle cinnamon flavor of its own.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025
Definition of grinch
Noun
  • The winning appetizer, though, was the aesthetically humble but nonetheless delicious jumbo lump crab cake, a mustardy affair crowned with pickled radish.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • During a visit to the Copenhagen restaurant on Tuesday, chefs practiced preparing pike perch, brown crab, shrimp, and mushrooms in Noma’s open kitchen.
    — James Brooks, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of crab

Browse Nearby Words

killing time
killjoy
killjoys
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Cite this Entry

“Killjoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killjoy. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of killjoy for Spanish Speakers

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