mate 1 of 2

noun

Definition of matenext
1
as in half
either of a pair matched in one or more qualities have you seen the mate to this glove anywhere?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in associate
a person frequently seen in the company of another that lout and his mates are known troublemakers in the neighborhood

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3
as in assistant
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

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4
as in partner
the person to whom another is married they vowed to each other that they would remain mates for life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in friend
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mate

2 of 2

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
Fireflies like to cling to tall grass blades when signaling mates, but longer grass also helps fireflies by increasing soil moisture levels and providing extra sheltering spots. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026 Bloody conflicts over territory, mates, and more are common in social animals, and several species have their own anticipatory behaviors to prepare when a fight looks imminent. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
Verb
Even for species that mate for life, there may be survival benefits to teaming up with one partner while continuing to mate and have offspring with others. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 8 July 2026 The weapon of choice to keep the screwworm at bay is a plant in Pacora, Panama, that has been continually churning out sterile flies, which mate with wild female flies to halt reproduction. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mate
  1. half
  2. associate
  3. assistant
  4. partner
  5. friend
  6. sleep
  7. match
  8. buddy
Noun
  • For much of the second half, Argentina played with plenty of perspiration, but little by way of inspiration.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • About half of America’s states still have an average price below $4 a gallon, however.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of half
Noun
  • Her academic leadership roles at the university have included those of interim associate dean, associate vice president for Student Success, and associate provost for Student Success, Equity and Innovation, the statement said.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Zelenskyy recently weathered a politically damaging corruption investigation involving several of his closest associates, including his former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who was dismissed amid mounting public pressure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of associate
Noun
  • That’s according to the European Commission, which is now cracking down on what that means for AI assistants.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • The video assistant referee, on the whole, was judged to have been a success.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of assistant
Noun
  • There’s one song that Michael Sanders and I, and my other writing partner Michael Ciro, wrote together that was really interesting.
    — Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • In April, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA reported that the district had over 200 teaching vacancies.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
Definition of partner
Noun
  • Samaritan's Purse said nearly every patient treated at its field hospital has lost a family member or close friend.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Can any human being be a true friend to thousands or even millions of people at once?
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of friend
Verb
  • Keegan was desperate to awaken the sleeping Tyneside beast and get Newcastle back to the top flight and immediately announced himself to his adoring new fanbase, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Queens Park Rangers at St James’.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Kalanchoe Don’t sleep on succulents for bold blooms in vibrant colors.
    — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026
Definition of sleep
Noun
  • He was also sent off for a headbutt against an opponent who provoked him in his last ever match, which happened to be the 2006 World Cup final; his human reaction laid bare on the highest stage of all.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The SummerSlam card, featuring major title matches, appears largely set.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of match
Noun
  • Laugh List scripts range in style, covering coming-of-age comedy, romantic comedy, historical comedy, political mockumentary, college comedy, dark comedy, and buddy comedy.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 July 2026
  • That night, Freddy and his buddies met Langley backstage after a performance in Oklahoma City.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of buddy

Phrases Containing mate

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mated
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Cite this Entry

“Mate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mate. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mate

Nglish: Translation of mate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mate

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