SPIKES Synonyms: 223 Similar and Opposite Words

spikes 1 of 2

noun

plural of spike

as in darts

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as in jumps

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Dissimilar Words

spikes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spike

as in stabs

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in stimulates

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

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 spikes

Noun

The team identified a continuous midline feature that began as a fleshy crest along the neck and trunk and transitioned over the hips into a single row of spikes running down the tail — each spike positioned over a single vertebra and fitted to each other. — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

While the core plasma reaches hundreds of millions of degrees, the components surrounding the chamber must endure sudden, extreme heat spikes similar to spacecraft entering Earth’s atmosphere. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 The Hormuz crisis has so far led to only modest oil price spikes thanks to an unusual combination of favorable market conditions and years of investment in energy security measures. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 Why short goodbyes work better than long ones Drop-off is where anxiety spikes the fastest. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026 But with oil inventories dwindling to critically low levels, a looming supply crunch that spikes energy prices again could also test Trump’s patience. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 Delphiniums Delphiniums offer structure and height to the garden with their tall, slim flower spikes in shades of blue, purple, and white. — The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 Stressful morning habits, like rushing or checking emails, can trigger a stress response that spikes blood pressure. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026 In reality, when our core temperature rises, cortisol spikes. — Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 On extreme heat days above 90°F, that risk spikes by nearly 10%. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spikes

Noun

Littler is a darts sensation and is now one of the most prominent names of all time from the sport.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 July 2026
Some locations also have karaoke rooms, and the Austin Holey Moley offers arcade games and interactive darts.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 14 July 2026

Definition of darts

Noun

Against this has to be set the benefits to the world of cheap tech, subsidised by the Chinese state – providing power that is cheaper, cleaner and less vulnerable to supply shocks or price jumps than oil and gas.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 15 Aug. 2026
His earlier display of emotion made the song’s meaning hit even harder — and as the crowd erupted into jumps and shouts of glee, Smith stood there, a grin growing on his lipsticked mouth.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of jumps

Noun

Now, those extensions could end up on the chopping block, Burak said, as states seek ways to manage Medicaid losses.

— Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
The city installed curb extensions, added yellow paint to the crosswalks and installed tuff curbs with flexible posts between traffic lanes near the crosswalks.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of extensions

Verb

That’s because when a snake bites and punctures the skin and transfers venom into the victim’s body, the venom attacks the skin, soft tissue and connective tissue beneath it.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
If a foreign object punctures the tread or sidewall, your tire can deflate slowly or quickly, depending on the puncture.

— Jason Fogelson, AJC.com, 29 May 2026

Definition of punctures

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spikelike

spikes

spiking

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Style

“Spikes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spikes. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spikes

noun

verb

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