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Showing results for spoil.
Definitions

spoil

[spoil] / spɔɪl /
VERB
ruin, hurt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
destroy devastate harm impair mar tarnish undo upset wreck
STRONG
blemish damage debase deface defile demolish desecrate desolate despoil disfigure disgrace injure pillage plunder prejudice ravage sack smash squash trash vitiate waste
WEAK
depredate make useless mess up muck up spoliate take apart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist build construct fix help improve repair
STRONG
adorn beautify clean decorate embellish enhance honor mend ornament protect purify respect sanctify save
WEAK
be indifferent ignore neglect
VERB
baby, indulge
Synonyms
STRONG
accommodate coddle cosset favor humor mollycoddle oblige overindulge pamper
WEAK
cater to kill with kindness spoon-feed
Antonyms
STRONG
be mean hinder ignore
WEAK
be indifferent neglect
VERB
decay, turn bad
Synonyms
STRONGEST
taint
STRONG
addle crumble curdle decompose deteriorate disintegrate mildew molder putrefy rot turn
WEAK
become tainted become useless break down go bad go off

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.

Roberts said he did not believe that whatever restraints the Dodgers might put on Yamamoto would spoil his chances for the Cy Young award, if his performance otherwise warrants it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Saying too much more would spoil all of the fun to be had, but the banana is only the beginning.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Medicines can stop pain, fight cancer and save lives but are worthless if they get lost in the mail, spoil in a hot warehouse or are stuck on a ship.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

"These people spoil it for kids and genuine fans."

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

"I don't think so. It might spoil the color."

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway