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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.

Even if it is their passion, they cannot spend two years just writing R&B songs or playing heavy metal.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Working in food media, I spend more time thinking about chicken than I ever expected.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands—Big tech companies are gearing up to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on artificial-intelligence infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Plants spend most of their lives using photosynthesis to make energy.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

But to pretend I was going to spend a whole day with James so soon after she believed we’d already gone on two dates would be giving her too much false hope.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu