spray
11 synonyms for spray, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fine mist of liquid released into the air.
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 spray
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hair spray
spray paint
a spray of flowers
Etymology
From Middle Dutch sprayen ("to spray, sprinkle, spread"), ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning to sprinkle.
Full origin of spray →Frequently asked questions
What does “spray” mean?
The word “spray” means a fine mist of liquid released into the air. In plain terms, a fine mist of liquid, a product that dispenses one, or the act of scattering liquid in fine drops.
How do you pronounce “spray”?
“Spray” is pronounced spray (/spɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spray” in a sentence?
Here is “spray” used in a sentence: “Sea spray drifted over the harbour wall.”
What part of speech is “spray”?
Depending on how it is used, “spray” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spray” come from?
The word “spray” comes from Proto-Germanic. From Middle Dutch sprayen ("to spray, sprinkle, spread"), ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning to sprinkle.
Is “spray” a common word?
“Spray” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “spray” have?
“Spray” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fine mist of liquid released into the air.
What is the difference between "spray" and "mist"?
A "spray" is a jet of fine liquid droplets released into the air, often forced from a nozzle. A "mist" is a cloud of very fine droplets that drifts or hangs more gently, so sprays are usually directed while mist tends to settle softly.
What is the difference between "spray" and "aerosol"?
A "spray" is the fine mist of liquid itself, or a product designed to release it. An "aerosol" strictly means fine particles suspended in gas, and in everyday use a pressurised can, so a spray can also come from a simple pump bottle.
