squander

[ skwon-der ]

verb (used with object)

1. to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly or wastefully (often followed by away ).

   Synonyms: lavish, dissipate, waste

   Antonyms: save

2. to scatter.

noun

1. extravagant or wasteful expenditure.

squander

/ ˈskwɒndə /

verb

1. to spend wastefully or extravagantly; dissipate
2. See scatter
   an obsolete word for scatter

noun

1. rare.
   extravagance or dissipation

Derived Forms

• ˈsquanderer, noun

Other Words From

• squander·er noun
• squander·ing·ly adverb
• re·squander verb (used with object)
• un·squandered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squander¹

First recorded in 1585–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of squander¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See spend.

Example Sentences

Fans, pundits, and even players themselves regularly squander the chance to discuss race in meaningful ways.

From The Daily Beast

Yet abandoning the push for equality now would squander a rare opportunity.

From The Daily Beast

“I watched the government squander a ridiculous amount of money on technology,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

We need to tell our politicians to not squander our heritage.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, if we let fear carry the day, we will squander another key moment to move forward together.

From The Daily Beast

Arbitrary so far as doing the right thing as trustee went, not suffering me, or any one else, to squander a shilling.

From Project Gutenberg

But a belligerent should not squander on diversions strength which might be employed in the main conflict.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he pointed to the beautifully worked manta, “Did she squander wealth of hers on that?”

From Project Gutenberg

Time is a divine inheritance that no man has a right to squander.

From Project Gutenberg

He is not content to squander his immense wealth in race-horses and champagne.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blow
• expend
• lavish
• misuse
• waste