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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
  • Outside the window warm air moved the leaves on the branches while around her, phones rang, and men and women answered Helios Accounting, Entertainment’s Finest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In the gleaming lobby, the brand’s signature scent—a warm and woody fragrance reminiscent of two of my favorites, Comme des Garçons’ Wonderwood and Odin New York’s 07 Tanoke—greeted me.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Love, at 85 years old, is the sole member of the original Beach Boys lineup who still tours under that name, performing all their classic, SPF-friendly hits with younger instrumentalists.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • The hotel itself is staffed by a small but merry cadre of Lost Boys whose endearing mix of irreverence and can-doism gives the hotel its cool, devil-may-care personality.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Rounding up his merry men of Sherwood Forest, and his Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland), Robin goes about resisting John’s rule and securing Richard’s throne.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 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 24 Sep. 2026.

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