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
  • The famed Big 5 (elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and lions) are all easily spotted in these lands, but the diverse habitats provide opportunities for different behavioral sightings, from feeding to bathing and mating.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For the past eight years, that's when Jackie and Shadow have begun reinforcing their nest and mating.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of mating
Noun
  • Addressing this prolonged trade conflict, Washington political news outlet POLITICO brought together four veteran journalists specializing in US-Canada relations and trade policy to analyze potential future trajectories.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Why do the Browns continue to have avoidable public-relations blunders?
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of relations
Noun
  • The anecdotes certainly are fun, but I was struck by the meat at the heart of it with its discussions of the politics — past and present — and on sexuality and race, and on the sometimes ruthless nature of building a national theater.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That series is credited with ushering in a new openness in Britain around female sexuality.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sex

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