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Synonyms

spender

1 American  
[spen-der] / ˈspɛn dər /

noun

  1. a person who spends, especially one who habitually spends excessively or lavishly; spendthrift.


Spender 2 American  
[spen-der] / ˈspɛn dər /

noun

  1. Stephen, 1909–96, English poet and critic.


Spender 1 British  
/ ˈspɛndə /

noun

  1. Sir Stephen. 1909–95, English poet and critic, who played an important part in the left-wing literary movement of the 1930s. His works include Journals 1939–83 (1985) and Collected Poems (1985)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spender 2 British  
/ ˈspɛndə /

noun

  1. a person who spends money in a manner specified

    a big spender

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of spender

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; spend, -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was the second-biggest spender on ads in the race, trailing Krishnamoorthi’s campaign, which spent $29.1 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

China is the world's biggest spender in the luxury sector, accounting for half of global sales.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

These talks have also revealed that I’m more of a spender and he is more of a saver.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

The Cupertino-based company has been trying to make its streaming business more financially sound, but faces a formidable task as it has been a big spender in attracting name talent to its programs and movies.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

“Real big spender, huh?” my grandfather says, looking around at the linoleum floor, the plastic flower arrangements.

From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm