Synonyms for
Spoil
Definition
to damage or ruin something; to give someone everything they want, making them behave badly
Synonyms & similar words
flub
mar
bungle
spoilation
bollocks
messup
fluff
baby
louseup
indulge
corrupt
mishandle
fuckup
featherbed
despoil
spoiling
botchup
bumble
foil
bollix
muff
cross
vitiate
despoilment
scotch
ruin
waste
corrupt
damage
deprive
disappoint
ruination
decay
rot
spoilage
indulge
pamper
coddle
baby
mollycoddle
cosset
overindulge
overpamper
overprotect
overgratify
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- spoil the child
- spoil the surprise
- spoil the fun
- spoil the broth
- spoil someone rotten
- spoil the ending
- spoil the appetite
Word family
Usage note
The verb 'spoil' can mean to damage or ruin something, or to excessively indulge someone, often a child. Be mindful of context to avoid confusion.
Example sentences
- I left the fruit out too long and it started to spoil.
- The rain spoiled our picnic plans.
- Don't spoil your appetite by eating too many snacks.
- She spoiled the surprise by telling him what was in the gift.
- Grandma likes to spoil her grandchildren with hugs and treats.
Quotes
A spoiled person is a misfortune.
Don't spoil what you have by desiring what you don't have.
We are spoiled by our surroundings.