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
  • Even though relations between the pair had been publicly disintegrating for weeks, Stevens' announcement was a surprise.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
  • She’s expected to continue Radev’s policy of keeping Bulgaria on its European path, while also supporting better relations with Russia and the lifting of sanctions.
    — Veselin Toshkov, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of relations
Noun
  • The show is not only filled with trauma, but deep joy, especially in showing the friendship between Leo and George, Clive’s teenage son, who is grappling with his own secret about his sexuality.
    — Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
  • While at the establishment, the report said Gonzalez engaged an assistant waiter in an argument, questioning the worker about his sexuality.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 3 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sex

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