mate

1 either of a pair matched in one or more qualities have you seen the mate to this glove anywhere? Synonyms companion, fellow, half, match, twin Related Words coordinate; coequal, counterpart, equal, equivalent, like, parallel, peer, rival; carbon copy, double, duplicate, facsimile, identical twin, likeness, mirror image, replica, ringer; analogue (or analog), similarity Near Antonyms antipode, antithesis, contrary, converse, opposite, reverse

2 a person frequently seen in the company of another that lout and his mates are known troublemakers in the neighborhood Synonyms cohort, companion, compatriot, compeer, comrade, crony, fellow, hobnobber, associate, running mateRelated Words colleague, coworker, equal, peer, workmate; accomplice, affiliate, ally, collaborator, confederate, half, partner; buddy, chum, confidant, familiar, friend, hearty, intimate, pal; countryman; classmate, housemate, messmate, playfellow, playmate, roommate, schoolmate, shipmate, teammate; attendant, escort; hanger-on, leech, parasite

3 chiefly British  a person who helps a more skilled person a plumber and his mate showed up to fix the sink in our London hotel room Synonyms adjunct, adjutant, aid, aide, apprentice, assistant, coadjutor, deputy, helpmate, helpmeet, lieutenant, helper, sidekickRelated Words attendant, handmaiden (also handmaid), maid, maidservant, scullion, servant; auxiliary, legman, subordinate, underling; employee (also employe), hand, help, hireling, laborer, swamper, worker; gal Friday, girl Friday; man Friday, right hand; aide-de-camp

4 the person to whom another is married they vowed to each other that they would remain mates for life Synonyms better half, consort, spouse, partner, significant otherRelated Words soul mate; domestic partner; bridegroom, groom, hubby, husband, man, mister, old man; bride, helpmate, helpmeet, lady, wifeNear Antonyms ex; single; bachelor; bachelorette, maid, maiden, spinster

5 chiefly British  a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another spent the weekend in London with some of his mates from Oxford Synonyms alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, intimate, friend [chiefly British], musketeer, palRelated Words acquaintance; associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport; blood brother, brother, main man, sister; abettor (also abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate; pen pal; benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher; friendlyNear Antonyms adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival; archenemy, nemesisAntonyms enemy, foe

to engage in sexual intercourse cats conceive almost every time they mate Synonyms breed, copulate, sleepRelated Words fool around, fornicate