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
This nearly 50-percent-off Kate Spade bag looks like a splurge without actually being one, courtesy of Amazon’s early Labor Day sale. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 When budgets tighten, the report finds consumers protect relationships, rest and personal growth first, cutting material purchases and discretionary splurges before anything tied to connection or well-being. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Now the siblings splurge on Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos and Snickers bars from a federal prison in Miami where they’re being held pending an extradition request from the United Kingdom. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Two British newlyweds, Alexander Cromie, 31, and Marie Ebert, 30, were traveling from the Greek mainland to the island of Sifnos and had elected to splurge on bespoke travel by helicopter. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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