What does "spoiler" mean?
One who spoils; a plunderer; a pillager; a robber; a despoiler.
Spoiler
/ˈspɔɪ.lɚ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who spoils; a plunderer; a pillager; a robber; a despoiler.
- Grammar: spoiler is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: aerodynamic device, aeroplane, airplane, bane.
- Useful contrasts: celebrater, french conserver, major candidate.
- Usage evidence: The ultimate life spoiler: in the end you'll die!
How to use "spoiler"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "spoiler" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "spoiler" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "spoiler" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "spoiler" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "spoiler" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aerodynamic device" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "spoiler", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who spoils; a plunderer; a pillager; a robber; a despoiler.
- 2 a hinged airfoil on the upper surface of an aircraft wing that is raised to reduce lift and increase drag wordnet
- 3 One who corrupts, mars, or renders useless.
- 4 an airfoil mounted on the rear of a car to reduce lift at high speeds wordnet
- 5 A document, review or comment that discloses the ending or some key surprise or twist in a story, or the internal rules controlling the behaviour of a video game, etc.
"Good netiquette dictates that one warn of spoilers before discussing them, so that readers who wish to do so may experience the surprises for themselves."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 someone who pampers or spoils by excessive indulgence wordnet
- 7 A device to reduce lift and increase drag.
- 8 someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war) wordnet
- 9 A device to reduce lift and increase downforce.
- 10 a candidate with no chance of winning but who may draw enough votes to prevent one of the leading candidates from winning wordnet
- 11 A competitor, unable to win themselves, who spoils the chances of another’s victory. US
"The optimism at the opening of the talks could not be dampened even by a few spoilers."
Verb
- 1 To mark (a document or message) with a spoiler warning, to prevent readers from accidentally learning details they would prefer not to know. slang, transitive
- 2 To tell (a person) details of how a story ends etc. slang, transitive
"I've been spoilered, so I doubt I'll be able to enjoy the final episode."
Antonyms
Example
"The ultimate life spoiler: in the end you'll die!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "spoiler"?
Common synonyms include: aerodynamic device, aeroplane, airplane, bane, buzzkill, buzzkills.
How do you use "spoiler" in a sentence?
The ultimate life spoiler: in the end you'll die!
How do you pronounce "spoiler"?
Pronounced /ˈspɔɪ.lɚ/.
Etymology
From spoil + -er.