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
  • Venus enters Libra and your 3rd House of Communication, helping conversations feel smoother, warmer, and more persuasive.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 Your social world gets warmer and more inviting.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Made from skin-friendly organic cotton, this relaxed quilt is designed for year-round comfort.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • While not as showy or Instagram friendly, how Caminero has matured and improved overall at the plate actually may be more impressive.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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