spoiler

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spoiler' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a piece of information that reveals something important about a book, movie, game, or other such work, and is meant to be kept hidden until the reader or viewer is ready to experience the work themselves. For example, you might say: "Be careful not to read any spoilers before watching the movie!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That spoiler vacuum also invited a new level of scrutiny.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To the internet, where spoiler fury has now officially finally tumbled down the rabbit hole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though we have yet to see the first spoiler revenge killing, be assured that the time will come – all exactly as predicted in the Book of Revelations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Best of all, what about a Game of Thrones spoiler Buckaroo?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The United States team subsequently lodged a protest against the design of Williams's helmet, which features a spoiler on the back which, the US team claimed, breached an article of the federation's rule-book which deems that a helmet has to be without any additionally attached aerodynamic elements.

The Guardian - Sport

"What do you drive back home, a hatchback?" Actually, it was a hatchback: a souped-up Seat Ibiza complete with spoiler, alloys and boy-racer bucket seats.

The Guardian

I'd much rather watch a movie about what happens to Ryan Stone after – spoiler alert!

The Guardian - Film

Spoiler alert: this article discusses the final episode of Mad Men in detail.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A major spoiler regarding the death of a leading character in forthcoming superhero sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2 appears to have been let slip via a cereal advert.

The Guardian - Film

The Warmest 100, which you can view here, is heavily encrusted with spoiler warnings but must still rile Triple J, especially since the Hottest 100 is such an extravaganza, with listening parties all round the country, special guests, interviews and for the first time, a Guardian live blog.

The Guardian

Related: Rise of progressive policies signals Democrats' embrace of Bernie Sanders' ideals Bernie Sanders, the independent Vermont senator who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination on 2016, on Sunday denied that he would be a "spoiler" for the electoral chances of the establishment favourite and said: "Maybe I shouldn't say this: I like Hillary Clinton".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive plot points, always provide a clear "spoiler alert" before divulging information to protect the viewing experience for others.

Common error

Always precede any discussion of crucial plot details with a disclaimer like "spoiler alert" to avoid ruining the story for others.

Linguistic Context

The word "spoiler" functions primarily as a noun, often referring to a piece of information that reveals crucial plot points or surprises in a story. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where "spoiler" is used to denote revealed plot details, in contexts such as movie and TV reviews.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "spoiler" functions mainly as a noun and serves to warn about the revelation of key plot details in stories. Ludwig AI's analysis of multiple sources confirms its frequent use, especially in the context of news and media. While its usage is generally neutral, it is crucial to use the term responsibly by providing clear warnings before divulging sensitive information. Common errors involve failing to warn others, which can negatively impact their experience. Using alternatives like "plot reveal" or "give away the ending" can provide nuanced ways to describe this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plot reveal

Focuses specifically on the unveiling of key narrative elements.

plot disclosure

Emphasizes the act of making the storyline known.

give away the ending

Highlights the premature revelation of the conclusion.

ruin the surprise

Concentrates on the negative impact of revealing key events.

reveal a secret

Broadens the concept to include any kind of secret information being unveiled.

divulge the mystery

Highlights the unveiling of a mystery's resolution.

unveil the twist

Specifically refers to revealing an unexpected plot twist.

premature revelation

Focuses on the timing of the reveal, emphasizing it was too early.

story giveaway

Refers to the act of revealing key aspects of a story.

key plot element revealed

Emphasizes that an essential aspect of the plot has been disclosed.

FAQs

How to use "spoiler" in a sentence?

You can use "spoiler" to refer to a piece of information that reveals important details about a story. For example: "The review contains a major "spoiler" about the ending."

What is another word for "spoiler" in the context of movies or books?

Alternatives to "spoiler" include "plot reveal", "plot disclosure", or "give away the ending", which all refer to revealing key details of a story.

How do I warn someone that I'm about to reveal a "spoiler"?

You can warn someone by saying "spoiler alert" before sharing any details that could ruin the experience of a movie, book, or game.

What is the difference between a "spoiler" and a summary?

A "spoiler" typically reveals crucial plot points or the ending of a story, potentially ruining the experience for someone. A summary provides a general overview without necessarily giving away key surprises.