matey

adjective

ˈmā-tē How to pronounce matey (audio)
Definition of mateynext
chiefly British
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest the pub keeper adopted a matey tone with me, as if he were my dearest chum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 matey The dynamic is matey and punchy, with lots of high jinks and backslapping. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matey
  1. warm
  2. friendly
  3. merry
Adjective
  • Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as planet-warming pollution drives temperatures higher, because warmer air holds more moisture – which storms can then wring out like a water-laden sponge in heavy, localized downpours.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Unlike its more exclusive neighbor properties, Daunt’s feels like a warm embrace and a breath of fresh air at the same time.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Organizers promoted the event as a family-friendly space with an Easter egg hunt and horse rides for children, according to the statement.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • There was a June 1977 friendly in Buenos Aires where punches were thrown and players were ejected.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • No decision fatigue or awkward conversations to be had; the more, the merrier, baby!
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 July 2026
  • Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
Definition of merry

Browse Nearby Words

mates
matey
math
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Cite this Entry

“Matey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matey. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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