spent

1 of 2

adjective

ˈspent How to pronounce spent (audio)
Synonyms of spentnext
1
a
: used up : consumed
b
: exhausted of active or required components or qualities often for a particular purpose
spent nuclear fuel
2
: drained of energy or effectiveness : exhausted entry 1
3
: exhausted of spawn or sperm
spent fishes

spent

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of spend

Synonyms of spent

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Adjective

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Examples of spent in a Sentence

Adjective he plopped down in his chair, completely spent, and then fell asleep
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.
Adjective
At the home, officers found a spent bullet casing on the basement stairs – alleging Ramsey shot down at Spears. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 The puzzle-like slats holding the barrel together, called staves, are often used in his creations, incorporated into cocktail muddlers and cigar rests, not to mention a recent life-size buffalo made from the spent barrel pieces. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026 Deadheading is generally not necessary, however removing spent blooms may encourage additional flowering. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026 To prevent it from reseeding, make sure to cut branches with spent blooms. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spent

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from past participle of spenden to spend

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of spent was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing spent

Rhymes for spent

See All Rhymes for spent

Browse Nearby Words

Spenserian stanza
spent
spent acid
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Cite this Entry

“Spent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spent

adjective
ˈspent How to pronounce spent (audio)
1
: used up
2
: drained of energy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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