spoil Synonyms
Another word for spoil
• verb (Context 1)
To diminish or destroy the value, quality, or pleasure of something.
"Sudden afternoon thunderstorms threatened to ruin the outdoor graduation ceremony."
• verb (Context 2)
To become unfit for consumption through decay or decomposition, or to cause food to decay in this way.
"Dairy products will rot quickly if they are left out on the counter in warm weather."
• verb (Context 3)
To harm the character of someone (especially a child) by being overly indulgent, or to treat someone with great kindness and generosity.
"The grandparents loved to pamper the children with homemade pastries during summer visits."
• noun (Context 4)
Goods, valuables, or territory seized by force or acquired as a reward of victory (usually used in the plural).
"The victorious coalition divided the political spoils among its senior leaders after the election."
• verb (Context 5)
To be extremely eager or aggressive for an argument or competition (usually in the progressive form followed by 'for').
"After weeks of heated negotiations, both delegates seemed to be spoiling for a public debate."
• noun (Context 6)
Waste earth, rock, or other refuse material excavated during mining, dredging, or quarrying operations.
"Engineers landscaped the mounds of mining tailings and planted native grasses to restore the hillside."
Opposites of spoil
The opposite of spoil shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: