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
-
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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Maintain local control, protect public spaces and stop criminalizing people for sleeping outside when no safe alternative exists.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Premium and economy passengers will also still be required to purchase an actual seat, with these sleeping pods instead being available for an additional session fee of NZ$495 (about $280 per session).—
Emma Clarke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In the Jackson Hole region, a small and isolated group of the birds gathers each spring at a mating site on the grounds of Jackson Hole Airport, where growing air traffic has created dangers for both the grouse and aircraft.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The species’ elaborate mating rituals and fierce attachment to their breeding grounds make the conservation challenge uniquely difficult.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office has said, after Israel's surprise announcement authorizing talks despite the countries lack of official relations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Israel and Lebanon will have direct negotiations Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office said Friday, after Israel’s surprise announcement authorizing talks despite the countries lack of official relations.—
Munir Ahmed,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Copulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copulating. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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