as in sex
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis
our Puritan forebears imposed severe penalties for copulating outside of marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in sleeping
to engage in sexual intercourse
the time of year when deer in the wild are likely to copulate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of copulating
Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
After copulating, the two males lay immobile on the seafloor as the female swam away.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copulating
Noun
-
The findings, from 1,592 U.S. citizens of different ages, sexes, races and incomes, were collected between Dec. 20 and Dec. 22.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
-
On his first day in office, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that declared the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Some common behaviors to look out for include sleep changes, like getting very little sleep, or alternatively sleeping or hibernating more than usual, says Guilbault.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
9 Mar. 2026
-
An analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine indicated that sleeping for less than seven hours a night increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and depression.—
Veronica Cristino,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
After mating, females lay groups of eggs in the soil near plants.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Maas gave what amounts to one of the clearest explanations she’s offered on the mating bond system.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The bigger concern usually isn’t intercourse.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Some speculation has existed about whether the basic physiological processes necessary for intercourse, particularly for men, might be compromised by microgravity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Chinese relations with the Islamic Republic accelerated in 2021 with the signing of their 25-year Cooperation Program, which escalated the level of economic and defense cooperation between the countries.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
-
For many riders, the views of the changing landscapes are the highlight, says Jason Abrams, senior pubic relations manager at Amtrak.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Copulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copulating. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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