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
Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
After copulating, the two males lay immobile on the seafloor as the female swam away.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
And finally, wouldn’t being near-perfectly still for an hour make a pair of copulating octopuses ridiculously exposed to predators?
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
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
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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
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This leave-on lip sleeping mask delivers deep hydration and antioxidant-rich protection, so your mother will wake up with smooth, supple lips.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
When scientists initially studied attempts to learn while sleeping, the results seemed promising.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Mating season generally begins in May, with peak mating in June.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
30 Apr. 2026
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Hazina’s father, Utenzi, came to Lincoln Park as part of the Eastern Black Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan, a program where scientists determine ideal mating partners for endangered rhinos based on various genetic and hormonal factors, Kutilek said.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include irritation, swelling and a thick white discharge, along with a burning sensation – especially during urination or intercourse.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 Apr. 2026
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Wilzig told the Miami Herald in a 2002 profile that intercourse and naked bodies were beautiful and natural, and no one should be embarrassed by talking about the topic.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Magyar vows to restore democratic institutions, investigate alleged corruption under Orbán, repair relations with the European Union and reduce Hungarian dependency on Russia.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
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After the papal audience, Fils-Aimé met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the secretary for relations with states and international organizations.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Copulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copulating. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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