1
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
2
as in to decompose
to go through decomposition
the meat has spoiled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spoil
cleveland, 17 Dec. 2022
So, who exactly could spoil the Astros' pursuit of a third Commissioner's Trophy?
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 12 Dec. 2022
Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Even without access to their own future picks, the Bucks are in such a bad spot that the only logical move is to bang the gavel on a Giannis bidding war and rebuild with the spoils.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoil
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
Noun
The spoils will go to the company that compiles the best pool of clickworkers.
—Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Even without access to their own future picks, the Bucks are in such a bad spot that the only logical move is to bang the gavel on a Giannis bidding war and rebuild with the spoils.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoil
Verb
-
With him alive, she was tainted by association with his poor behavior.—
Ann Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
9 July 2025
-
Combs’ reputation has been thoroughly tainted by the lurid details of the trial and strong condemnations from his many accusers.—
August Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
The decomposing roots serve as the host for the mushrooms to grow.—
Chris McKeown,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
The metamorphic rock from which Atlanta’s soil is derived also contributes to its alkalinity as does the constantly decomposing organic matter, consisting mostly of leaves, on the soil surface.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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Anything that damages the trust between the vendor, Microsoft, and the user is as much a threat as the hackers themselves, in my never humble opinion.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Some adults want their children to develop AI literacy; others see chatbots as a way to indulge young kids’ endless curiosities or engage their creativity.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
14 July 2025
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Trump previously appeared to indulge an antisemitic trope of Jewish people controlling things behind the scenes.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
5 July 2025
Noun
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Knowing this, knowing that the briny deep awaits and that nobody’s coming to your rescue—along with the loot, the captain’s made off with the ship’s radio—would anyone blame you for being a little put-upon?—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
13 June 2025
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With the loot in hand, the suspect jumped out of the taxi and ran west on 41st Ave., according to police.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Verb
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The Mets go the way of Francisco Lindor, and he’s been marred in his own slump this month.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
-
The last weekend of June in Indianapolis was marred by a rash of shootings that left seven dead and nine others injured.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Organic materials like wood, leather, and fabric — which often remain remarkably preserved in the cold, low-oxygen depths — can begin to warp, crumble or disintegrate as dormant bacteria and fungi reactivate.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
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Researchers think the deceased was buried in a wooden coffin that has long since disintegrated.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Louisa Geringer, her 15-year-old stepson and 3-year-old daughter all died; a daughter and cousin were injured.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Norby played well for the Marlins last season as Rogers posted a 7.11 ERA in four starts before his demotion to Triple-A. Then, with Rogers injured to begin this season, Stowers exploded for the Marlins to earn an All-Star nod.—
Jacob Calvin Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoil. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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