Phrase guide

spill over

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

to enter into another zone by way of accident or overcrowding; to overflow

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

(of an infectious disease) to spread from one species of animal to another and particularly to humans

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

(of a bad emotion, situation, etc.) to reach a climax

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • undercurrents of popular discontent spilled over into outright revolt

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

overflow with a certain feeling

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The children bubbled over with joy
  • My boss was bubbling over with anger

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bubble over, overflow

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: seethe, boil

5

verb

Meaning 5

be disgorged

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The crowds spilled out into the streets

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: spill out, pour out

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: pour, swarm, stream, teem, pullulate

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.