Synonyms for

Spend

Verb / spend / Another word for spend — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To use up money, time, or resources for a specific purpose.

Synonyms & similar words

pass drop expend expend use consume squander waste deplete disburse lavish invest pay outlay dissipate blow pass

Synonyms by register

Formal

expend disburse allocate

Informal

blow fork out shell out splash out

Literary

lavish squander fritter away

Antonyms

save hoard keep conserve amass accumulate gather

Common collocations

  • spend money
  • spend time
  • spend wisely
  • spend lavishly
  • spend less
  • spend more
  • spend a fortune
  • spend the day

Word family

noun spending
verb spend
adjective spendthrift

Usage note

While 'spend' is a general term, 'expend' is more formal and often used for resources like energy or effort. 'Squander' and 'fritter away' imply wasteful spending.

Example sentences

  1. I spent all my money on candy.
  2. My mom spends a lot of time gardening.
  3. We can't spend too much time playing video games.
  4. She spends her days reading books.
  5. He spent all day working on his car.

Quotes

  • Money is like love; it kills slowly and painfully the one who withholds it, and enlivens the other who turns it on his fellow man. - Kahlil Gibran
  • Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. - William Penn
  • Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. - Carl Sandburg

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