splurge

1 of 2

noun

ˈsplərj How to pronounce splurge (audio)
Synonyms of splurgenext
: an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure

splurge

2 of 2

verb

splurged; splurging

intransitive verb

1
: to make a splurge
2
: to indulge oneself extravagantly
—often used with on
splurge on a new dress

transitive verb

: to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously

Examples of splurge in a Sentence

Verb You should let yourself splurge once in a while.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And for the ultimate splurge, guests can book a private dining experience for up to six people at Acanto Restaurant surrounded by Swarovski crystal curtains. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 Solo dining is climbing, and small indulgences keep earning space in budgets even when the big-ticket splurges get cut. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
These canny revolutionaries recognized that see-and-be-seen lobbies and buzzy bar-restaurants were just as important as the beds upstairs—though a few lavish suites still gave big spenders room to splurge. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Investors are overlooking the growth potential of German consumer giant Henkel's burgeoning haircare business as even cautious consumers continue to splurge on self-care routines, according to Barclays. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splurge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of splash and surge

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1844, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of splurge was in 1828

Rhymes for splurge

See All Rhymes for splurge

Browse Nearby Words

splunge
splurge
splurgy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splurge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splurge. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

splurge

1 of 2 noun
ˈsplərj How to pronounce splurge (audio)
: an instance of spending more than usual

splurge

2 of 2 verb
splurged; splurging
: indulge oneself or spend lavishly

More from Merriam-Webster on splurge

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for splurge

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