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Synonyms

spoon-fed

American  
[spoon-fed] / ˈspunˌfɛd /

adjective

  1. fed with a spoon.

  2. treated with excessive solicitude; pampered.

  3. given no opportunity to act or think for oneself.

    Having always been spoon-fed, I couldn't meet the challenge of college.


Etymology

Origin of spoon-fed

First recorded in 1900–05

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.

See Examples For:

"I spoon-fed the police," she explains with exasperation as she shows us print-outs of text messages and voicemails.

From BBC Jun. 30, 2025

At a scoop shop in downtown Manhattan, a large white poodle was spoon-fed what appeared to be vanilla ice cream.

From New York Times May 16, 2024

I was largely content to live within those musically monolithic walls, supremely enjoying the fact that I'd been spoon-fed "In Utero" since I was in utero.

From Salon Jul. 23, 2023

These are sympathetic and moving sentiments to be sure, but being spoon-fed these messages isn’t all that interesting.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 27, 2023

The blond-haired girl who’d spoon-fed me popcorn-flavored pudding was leaning on the porch rail next to them.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

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