sex

noun

ˈseks How to pronounce sex (audio)
Definition of sexnext
as in intercourse
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis the students learned about the mechanics of sex and reproduction in health class

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sex
  1. mating
  2. relations
  3. sexuality
Noun
  • Few giant cuttlefish appeared for their species’ annual mass mating event off South Australia’s Point Lowly.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The male worms, meanwhile, were identified by their copulatory spicules, needle-like structures used to facilitate mating.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of mating
Noun
  • Her return could complicate relations between the Venezuelan opposition, the interim government and Washington.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Tehran residents said neither election is likely to improve relations.
    — Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of relations
Noun
  • Views on the role of childbirth, reproductive rights, sexuality, and the female body have fluctuated through time and place.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Along the way the play takes on sexuality, growing up, what history actually is and what schooling is for.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sexuality
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.

Phrases Containing sex

Browse Nearby Words

sew up
sex
sex act
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Cite this Entry

“Sex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sex. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sex

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