spoilsport

noun

spoil·​sport ˈspȯi(-ə)l-ˌspȯrt How to pronounce spoilsport (audio)
Synonyms of spoilsportnext
: one who spoils the sport or pleasure of others

Synonyms of spoilsport

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Examples of spoilsport in a Sentence

Oh, don't be a spoilsport. Let them try it. Dad's a spoilsport. He won't let us play football.
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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.
The spoilsports need to get back to their home state and do the job which their constituents elected them to do. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025 Granted, this might simply be an old-fashioned spoilsport way to view the market. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026 Inevitably, violence erupts, both spontaneously, when a drug deal goes sour, and by design, when a spoilsport has to be eliminated. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025 Be prepared to be labelled humourless, difficult, a spoilsport, and a ruiner of parties, meetings, dinners, and picnics. — Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 11 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for spoilsport

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoilsport was in 1785

Rhymes for spoilsport

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Browse Nearby Words

spoilsman
spoilsport
spoils system
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Cite this Entry

“Spoilsport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoilsport. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spoilsport

noun
spoil·​sport ˈspȯi(ə)l-ˌspō(ə)rt How to pronounce spoilsport (audio)
-ˌspȯ(ə)rt
: a person who spoils the fun of others
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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