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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.

If you’re a big spender at Starbucks, you might get a chance to travel to Tokyo, Milan, or Costa Rica to “explore and celebrate coffee culture globally”—with all expenses paid by the company.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

A spontaneous jaunt like that is probably something he wouldn’t have done years ago, but “after a lifetime of being a conscientious spender and saver, it felt deserved,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

If the deal goes through, Paramount said that it would become Hollywood’s biggest spender — shelling out about $30 billion a year on programming.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

You also mention you’re a spender and he is a saver.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

Burr’s reputation as a notorious womanizer or as a lavish spender who always managed to stay one step ahead of his creditors did not trouble Hamilton.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis