splurge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "splurge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a special treat or indulgence in a leisure activity such as a shopping spree. For example, "I decided to have a splurge and treat myself to a new purse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you feel like a splurge, book the Valentine's package at the Hambrough hotel in Ventnor in the south of the island, with a six-course dinner in the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant on the Saturday, including langoustines, champagne and canapés, plus a bottle of champers in the room and, yes, more bubbles at breakfast.

The Guardian - Travel

The Project Spring splurge, a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the networks to exploit 4G opportunities, took spending to £19bn over two years.

The Guardian - Business

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.05am BSThe:05 The Westminster political news factory is having splurge today.

The Guardian

I hope I can tackle my mileage and also avoid the urge to mark 1 January by going on a new clothing splurge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The lexicon for most retailers runs from impulse buy to splurge to treat; they prefer us to wander the aisles with our eyes wide open and our minds shut tight.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while it is devoid of all the obvious pitfalls of sentimentality and doesn't splurge, it is a very piercing book".

The Guardian

And I aim to resist a new clothing splurge in January 2011.

The Guardian

Where to stay Save on your kip so you can splurge on food at ground-breaking Qbic Hotel (0031 43 321 1111, qbichotels.com), pictured, with aluminium-clad sleeping pods that offer seriously comfy beds, mood-altering lights and Philippe Stark bathroom fittings, from £29.

The Guardian - Travel

At Hong Kong airport, adverts tempting customers to splurge compete with official notices designed to put them off one kind of purchase in particular.

The Economist

Such a kludge is little more than a stop-gap measure, designed to encourage wealthy early-adopters to splurge on the latest video fad.

The Economist

"It's easy to tell because people are clapping between the movements".Mr Dabrowski is unapologetic about a cultural splurge that will not necessarily cater to all tastes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "splurge" in writing, maintain a tone that reflects the context—whether it's a celebratory indulgence or a cautionary tale about overspending. This word can add color and emotional depth to your narrative.

Common error

Don't use "splurge" when discussing financial planning or saving strategies. "Splurge" implies an exceptional expense, not a regular budgetary allocation.

Linguistic Context

The word "splurge" primarily functions as a verb to describe spending money lavishly or extravagantly. It also functions as a noun referring to an act of extravagant spending, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples. The aiResponseStatus confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Wiki

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "splurge" is commonly used to describe an act of extravagant spending, often on something enjoyable but not essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions both as a verb and a noun, adding versatility to its usage. The contexts range from news reports on economic trends to personal stories of indulgence. When writing, remember that using "splurge" implies a deliberate deviation from usual spending habits for a special treat or experience. Be mindful not to confuse it with budgeting or saving, as "splurge" signifies exceptional spending outside regular financial planning. With high frequency and consistent application across authoritative sources, "splurge" is a valuable term to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indulge lavishly

Emphasizes the act of indulging with a high degree of luxury.

spend freely

Focuses on the lack of constraint in spending habits.

go on a spree

Highlights a period of unrestrained activity, often related to shopping or spending.

live it up

Suggests enjoying a luxurious or extravagant lifestyle.

treat oneself

Implies a deliberate act of self-indulgence as a reward or comfort.

lash out on

Conveys spending a lot of money in the moment.

blow a fortune

Highlights the large amount of money spent.

spare no expense

Indicates a willingness to spend any amount of money to achieve a desired outcome.

paint the town red

Refers to an extravagant night out involving heavy spending and revelry.

push the boat out

Suggests going to considerable expense for a celebration or special occasion.

FAQs

How can I use "splurge" in a sentence?

You can use "splurge" to describe spending money freely on something you enjoy. For example, "I decided to "treat myself" and splurge on a new laptop."

What's a good alternative to the word "splurge"?

Alternatives include "indulge", "lavish", or "go on a spree", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a splurge of spending"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Splurge" can function as a noun, and "a splurge of spending" refers to an instance of extravagant expenditure.

What is the difference between "splurge" and "save"?

"Splurge" refers to spending money extravagantly, often on non-essential items, while "save" means to set money aside for future use. They are antonyms in the context of financial behavior.