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mate

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verb

as in to sleep
to engage in sexual intercourse cats conceive almost every time they mate

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 mate
Noun
In polygamous mammals with strong competition for mates, the males generally die earlier than females. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025 In contrast to her expansive mate, Toklas was a waspish temple gatekeeper who never ceased to hold grudges. Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
The video shows two male sharks mating with a female in quick succession, according to Storyful. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 And even then, these incredibly attractive singletons resist the siren song of a potential relationship for as long as possible, like endangered animals who, despite all the efforts of their zookeepers to create the right opportunity, simply refuse to mate. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mate
Noun
  • When Odegaard came off injured in the first half against Leeds and then Nottingham Forest, Arteta opted to replace him with Ethan Nwaneri, who impressed in both games.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In the first half alone, FIU lost two fumbles — Devonte Lyons had the other one — had one pass intercepted and one punt deflected.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An undercover operation in 2022 revealed that Komarczyk and his associate, Irazmar Carbajal, agreed to move $100,000 of what the FBI believed to be sanctioned money belonging to members of Venezuela’s government.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • One of the defendants, Benjamin Song — a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters — shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Darrell Smith, assistant commissioner for school choice and parent empowerment, has said about 55% are in kindergarten through fifth grade, while 23% are in middle school and 22% are in high school.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
  • An invitation to visit a friend’s family farm in Kenya in 1956 led to an introduction with the archaeologist Louis Leakey, who hired Goodall as an assistant and secretary.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That’s a devastating blow because Pionk’s second-pair success is somewhat dependent on having Samberg as his partner.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The elections division launched an investigation and reached out to their partners, including the printer and authorized carrier.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Maybe your parents taught you a lot about David Bowie, your friends taught you to enjoy Pokémon cards, and too many late hours on Reddit taught you about Doomsday prepping.
    Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025
  • An adaptation of Perry’s play of the same name, released by Lionsgate, the original film follows four married couples — close friends who reunite once a year for a weeklong vacation together.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Others are sleeping, huddled in doorways to keep warm and safe.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Another feature that’s worth highlighting is the 129 square-foot sleeping loft that can accommodate a bed, small nightstands, floating shelves, and even a houseplant or two.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The reigning champions Chelsea are undefeated now in 27 league matches, a loosely mystical streak of 522 days (and counting) stretching back to May 2024.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly.
    Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then a few of my buddies wear 91.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • That disconnect matters because the teddy bear has become more than a bedtime buddy.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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