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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.

Back when he was in first grade, Bennett feigned illness so he could get sent home and spend some time with his dad, whom he hadn’t seen in two weeks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

"We spend so much time thinking about these past things when we want to be putting in good foundations for the future," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

These days, Martinez prefers to top off her tank long before it is empty, not wanting to spend the $80 a full tank costs all at once.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

They spend hours in lines, piecing together meals from whatever they can find, constantly worrying about what to put on the kitchen table tomorrow.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

They spend most of the winter either pressed against the side of it or sleeping beneath it.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen