spoiler
11 synonyms for spoiler, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use spoiler
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
spoiler warning
spoiler alert
Etymology
From spoil plus the agent suffix -er — originally "one who plunders," later extended to "one who ruins" something, including a story's surprise.
Full origin of spoiler →Frequently asked questions
What does “spoiler” mean?
The word “spoiler” means a piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves. In plain terms, something that reveals a surprise ending, an aerodynamic car part, or a candidate/competitor who changes an outcome without winning.
How do you pronounce “spoiler”?
“Spoiler” is pronounced SPOY-luh (/ˈspɔɪ.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spoiler” in a sentence?
Here is “spoiler” used in a sentence: “Warning: this review contains spoilers for the finale.”
What part of speech is “spoiler”?
“Spoiler” is a noun.
Is “spoiler” a common word?
“Spoiler” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spoiler” have?
“Spoiler” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves.
What is the difference between a spoiler and a plot twist?
A plot twist is an unexpected turn in a story itself, while a spoiler is information that reveals such a twist, ending, or other key plot detail to someone before they experience it firsthand. Sharing a spoiler ruins the surprise that the plot twist was designed to create.
Why do car spoilers help with performance?
A spoiler is a wing-like device fitted to a vehicle to reduce lift and improve aerodynamics at high speed, helping keep the car stable and better connected to the road. This is a separate meaning from the plot-related sense of the word.
What does spoiler mean in the context of an election?
In elections, a spoiler is a competitor who cannot realistically win but still affects the outcome by drawing votes away from a candidate who could have won. This sense is common in political commentary about third-party or independent candidates.
