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
  • According to the Storm Prediction Center, thunderstorms with severe wind gusts will be possible in the region, where warm, humid air is creating an unstable atmosphere.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Joe’s is seeing strong momentum behind warm ecru and crisp bright white this summer, as shoppers gravitate toward lighter denim styles in place of traditional heavyweight indigo jeans.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Food and drink Tucked on the backside of the hotel, Peter B’s is a buzzy brewery and local hangout with a dog-friendly patio.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • At Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, the MLS All-Stars defeated the Liga MX All-Stars in the MLS All-Star Game, 4-3, in the friendly designed to promote the league to new audiences.
    — Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • But Margaret and Alice’s quick-witted machinations provide the basis for a merry outing at the theater.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Four hundred years later, a merry band of scientists and entrepreneurs of mind-altering intoxicants are plunging even deeper into the diabolical by mechanizing DMT’s delivery via IV syringe pumps.
    — Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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