lance 1 of 2

noun

ˈlan(t)s How to pronounce lance (audio)
Definition of lancenext
as in spear
a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade the lance struck squarely on the knight's shield, knocking him from his horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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lance

2 of 2

verb

as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object doctors used to lance infected sores, so that they could drain clean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lance
Noun
Bottom cleaners use lances to scrape biofoul off hulls. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Um dos lances mais bonitos da nossa história. — Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
His maiden first-class — let alone Test — century was confirmed with a tension-lancing scythe over midwicket in the final session, writes Dominic Fifield. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 Asking a question that lanced through his core. — Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lance
  1. spear
  2. stab
  3. javelin
  4. puncture
  5. pierce
  6. jab
  7. pick
  8. stick
Noun
  • The fog rises from Mount Tamalpais like a spirit, slowly billowing over spears of feathery redwoods and fluffs of fragrant bay laurels.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Arrange the spears in a single layer on a sheet pan and toss with olive oil.
    — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of spear
Verb
  • The North Texas woman arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing and injuring her husband and two young children at their Northlake home had been struggling with postpartum depression, according to court documents.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Tate and four others were stabbed and shot during the attacks.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stab
Noun
  • His deep ball and his javelin toss can easily clear 50 yards.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The feeling came again when Wright, who played hockey, netball, tennis and javelin at county level in her teens, turned her hand to rugby.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of javelin
Verb
  • Like the earlier series, this one readily acknowledges how real-world horrors can puncture even a relative safe space like Hillman.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • That notion reached its pinnacle after the Chiefs beat the Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game but was punctured by their 40-22 clobbering at the hands of the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • Another piece sliced through his salivary gland before bouncing off his jaw and piercing the back of his neck, severing an artery and embedding in a vertebra.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The most impressive is the national park’s namesake, El Teide, a cloud-piercing volcano at around 12,200 feet high—Spain’s tallest peak.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • At the tail end of their time on stage, the former castmates took the opportunity to jab at the Buffy revival’s cancellation earlier this year.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than immediately running toward his destination on the opposite side of the field, Jefferson jabs at the defender to create even more separation.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of jab
Verb
  • Politically, spiritually, institutionally, financially, environmentally, psychologically — pick your adverb.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The affidavit said the woman also provided police photos of her injuries and said a friend attempted to pick her up from the home on on the day of the incident but was turned away.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • One prospective shopper, Sam, a 38-year-old freelance fashion designer, was drawn in first by the queue, but decided to stick it out.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stick

Browse Nearby Words

lanais
lance
lanced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lance. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lance

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