splurge

splurge — verb

1. to spend a large amount of money on something enjoyable but not necessary, espec

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to spend a large amount of money on something enjoyable but not necessary, especially an item that costs much more than you would normally pay for it — for example, buying a designer bag, an expensive watch, or top-of-the-line electronics as a treat to yourself

Example

Manuela splurged on a designer handbag for her thirtieth birthday.

splurge on [luxury item] for [occasion]

Minho splurged on a top-of-the-line stereo system after receiving his annual bonus.

Common collocations
  • splurge on
  • splurge on a treat
  • splurge on luxury goods
  • splurge on something expensive
Synonyms
  • overspend

    focuses on exceeding a budget rather than treating oneself

  • indulge

    broader — can mean giving in to any desire, not only spending money

  • splash out

    British English equivalent, similar level of informality

Antonyms
  • save

    to keep money instead of spending it

  • economise

    to spend less in a careful way

Grammar Patterns

splurge + on + noun phrase

splurge (without object)

Usage Note

Frequently used with the preposition 'on' before the item purchased. Can also appear without an object: 'I feel like splurging today.'

Common Mistakes

I splurged a new phone.
I splurged on a new phone.
'splurge' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; the preposition 'on' is required before the item bought.

2. to allow yourself to do or have something that gives you great pleasure, in a wa

2.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to allow yourself to do or have something that gives you great pleasure, in a way that feels freely generous or even excessive — for example, ordering the most expensive dish at a restaurant, buying a full-day pass instead of a half-day one, or treating yourself to a massage and facial

Example

Diya splurged on a massage and facial at the resort spa.

splurge on [wellness / service]

We splurged and ordered the most expensive dish on the menu.

splurge + and + [verb] (absolute use)

Common collocations
  • splurge on a meal
  • splurge on a holiday
  • splurge on a spa treatment
Synonyms
  • indulge

    broader — can mean giving in to any desire, not necessarily with money

  • treat oneself

    more positive and suggests a smaller-scale reward

  • live it up

    more informal, suggests a short period of celebration

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

splurge + on + noun phrase

splurge (without object)

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 — the emphasis here is on personal enjoyment and indulgence rather than on buying specific goods. This sense often appears with experiences such as meals, trips, spa treatments, or entertainment.

splurge — noun

Word family

  • splurging
    nounC1
  • splurger
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All three words involve spending more than usual, but they differ in tone and focus. 'Splurge' has a positive, celebratory feel — it is a conscious decision to treat yourself, often after saving or as a reward. 'Overspend' is more neutral or negative, emphasising that you went beyond your budget, whether you enjoyed it or not ('I overspent on kitchen supplies'). 'Indulge' is broader and can apply to any desire, not just spending — you can indulge in a nap, chocolate, or a hobby. 'Splash out' (British) is very close to 'splurge' but slightly more casual. For example: 'We splurged on a weekend at the Ritz' suggests a deliberate treat; 'we overspent on groceries' suggests a miscalculation; 'we indulged in a long lazy brunch' suggests pleasure without the shock of the bill.

overspendindulge ↗splash out ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • go on a splurge
  • have a splurge

Prepositions

Etymology

English (American slang)English

The origin of 'splurge' is uncertain, but it first appeared in American English around 1900, likely as an invented or onomatopoeic word combining the forceful sound of 'splash' with the suddenness of 'surge'. Early use was in informal slang, describing a burst of energetic or extravagant activity. By the 1920s it had settled into its modern meaning of spending freely or showing off wealth.