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
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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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The campaign reprises and expands the concept of the collection’s look book images unveiled earlier this year, which saw Michele’s tribe pictured on a bed, mainly sleeping but also occasionally playing the guitar, doing a crossword puzzle, taking selfies or having a snack.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Despite vacationing on a luxury yacht, Bronwyn spent the night sleeping on a pool chair on the deck rather than spending the night having to share a bed with Britani.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Sellew is a bold new voice, using sharp, stylish prose to explore the hinterland of contemporary mating.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
-
One preference the females seem to have is fine sand – this is also the first to degrade in the circle, meaning the male won't reuse his masterpiece but build from scratch when another mating event requires it.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Vaginal estrogen can be especially effective for easing urinary symptoms and issues like vaginal dryness or painful intercourse that can accompany menopause.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Between 13 to 84% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal pain during intercourse, with pelvic floor tension being one of the many reasons behind the discomfort.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The two countries signed dozens of bilateral agreements, including in a 20-year cooperation deal to repair and overhaul Venezuelan refineries and enhance military relations.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
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The National Endowment for Democracy, which promotes freedom across Latin America including in Cuba, has named Eddy Acevedo, a longtime expert in Western Hemisphere politics, as its vice president for policy and government relations.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Copulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copulating. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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