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.

"We spend as many hours as we have to, depending on how much we need it," said Raoni Izaguirre, who had been standing in line for an hour under the blazing sun.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

Read more: AI wants to spend your money for you.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

It is not clear whether he will spend a set number of days there, or whether there will be a more informal arrangement.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

“There’s going to be enormous demand on the government to spend on defense” and infrastructure, said Karen Young, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Later when we went back to the hotel, she asked me how I was going to spend all the money I had won.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

spend

Example Sentences

Related Words