lovemaking

noun

ˈləv-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce lovemaking (audio)
Definition of lovemakingnext
1
as in sex
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis does not allow her young daughter to watch any films in which lovemaking is shown, however discreetly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in dating
the series of social engagements shared by a couple looking to get married a series of Rococo paintings in which the lovemaking of French aristocrats is depicted with erotic playfulness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lovemaking The two wind up crossing paths again and hooking up much more intensely, in a sweaty and passionate bout of lovemaking that sets the stage for a true romance. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 In these numbers, Carter spares no detail in his approach to lovemaking. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 This arrangement might seem ill-suited for lovemaking, but surprisingly, the male simply reached across the barrier and got busy. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026 This is a broad category of misbehaviors, ranging from excessive public displays of affection to actual lovemaking on the plane. — Christopher Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lovemaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovemaking
  1. mating
  2. dating
  3. relations
  4. romance
  5. courtship
Noun
  • Few giant cuttlefish appeared for their species’ annual mass mating event off South Australia’s Point Lowly.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The male worms, meanwhile, were identified by their copulatory spicules, needle-like structures used to facilitate mating.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of mating
Noun
  • Now in his 14th season with the NBA, Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum was first intrigued by wine when his wife Elise’s parents gifted the couple a bottle of Merlot while the two were still in college and dating.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Phosphate minerals and rubidium-strontium dating gave similar ages.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of dating
Noun
  • Even though relations between the pair had been publicly disintegrating for weeks, Stevens' announcement was a surprise.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
  • She’s expected to continue Radev’s policy of keeping Bulgaria on its European path, while also supporting better relations with Russia and the lifting of sanctions.
    — Veselin Toshkov, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of relations
Noun
  • The question will be whether the honeymoon turns into a longer romance.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • For all of North of North’s affection for slow-burn romance and willingness to objectify Ice Cove’s hottest citizens, the Siaja-Neevee relationship is the core of the show, and the season embraces its tumultuousness and tenderness with deep feeling.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of romance
Noun
  • At Clifton’s in downtown Los Angeles, a Halloween wedding is taking place, a courtship between a woman and a demon lord.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Kawajiri crashes the two together both with a rather sweet, tentative courtship and plenty of comedy around the anxiety which would accompany any new romance, let alone one between two shut-ins with no game.
    — Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of courtship

Browse Nearby Words

lovely
lovemaking
lover
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Cite this Entry

“Lovemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovemaking. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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