Synonyms for "spend"

7 kid-friendly synonyms for spend, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "spend" mean?

The word spend is a verb that means: to use up money or time on something.

Example: "Don't spend it all!"

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for spend

Younger kids can use these in place of "spend":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for spend

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for spend

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of spend (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of spend:

FAQ — synonyms for spend

What is a good synonym for spend in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try use. For older students, "use" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does spend have?
We list 7 grade-appropriate synonyms for spend across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is spend a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, spend is used as a verb.

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