Definitions

spend

[spend] / spɛnd /

VERB

give, pay out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

allocate concentrate consume contribute donate drop employ expend give invest put in settle use waste

STRONG

absorb apply bestow blow confer defray deplete disburse dispense dissipate drain empty exhaust fritter lavish liquidate misspend squander

WEAK

ante up cast away come across come through cough up evote foot the bill hand out lay out outlay pay down pay up run through shell out spring for throw away use up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

build hold keep neglect save shun take take away withhold

STRONG

fill hoard set aside

WEAK

be lazy earn get receive

VERB

use time; occupy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consume devote employ go kill put in waste

STRONG

drift fill fritter idle laze misuse pass squander

WEAK

fool around let pass while away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

build create misuse

STRONG

save take use

WEAK

be lazy earn get receive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Spend a few hours in Claude Code or Codex.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

Spend the $200 and, at the very least, you’ll get some assurance that you’re on the right track.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Spend the few bucks for a paid one.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

Spend above that and you get a financial penalty, although this will be far less punitive than Uefa.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

“Is that what I’m supposed to do? Spend my life keeping a man?”

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison