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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
  • Males perform complex mating flights in the late summer months and into fall (August through October) which often involve intercepting prospective partners mid-air.
    — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
  • They’re commonly found mating, attached end-to-end while resting or even flying.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of mating
Noun
  • As a senator, her priorities include supporting economic development, bettering police and community relations, securing funding for educational programs and passing policies for affordable housing, according to her campaign website.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • But despite years of diplomatic efforts there is no sign of a breakthrough in ending a war that has had repercussions for the global food and energy supply, as well as severely straining relations between Russia and Western countries.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of relations
Noun
  • The songs were a dangerous dance with gender, sexuality, and race.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Some races feature candidates who have become regular speakers during public comment at board meetings to criticize district policies on gender and sexuality.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sex

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