spate

noun

ˈspāt How to pronounce spate (audio)
Definition of spatenext
1
as in flood
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms a spate of words has been published on this controversial topic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loads
a considerable amount an off-color remark that drew a spate of complaints from TV viewers

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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 spate This is the latest in a spate of record-breaking heat waves that have affected the US and Europe simultaneously this summer. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 But a spate of fires at battery facilities has raised concerns. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026 Animal rights activists criticized the sport for a spate of horse deaths. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026 Prohibitions on legislators dating their own staffers have long been in place – but amid a spate of recent scandals, some prominent voices in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, say stricter rules are long overdue. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spate
  1. flood
  2. loads
  3. torrent
  4. slew
  5. dozen
  6. ton
  7. raft
  8. bunch
Noun
  • Along the road, however, they are suddenly met with a trickle, and then a flood of refugees.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Peter van Duijvendijk is a flood defense manager at the Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard water corporation, one of 21 such organizations covering the Netherlands that are responsible for issues including flood control.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of flood
Noun
  • The weight is adjustable, allowing experienced CrossFit athletes and fitness newcomers to ruck together while carrying different loads.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Today, there are loads of fancier, stronger knots that have become common in fishing.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
Definition of loads
Noun
  • On the campaign trail, Mamdani received a torrent of criticism over his past calls for defunding the NYPD and pledges to transform the city’s public safety apparatus.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The torrent’s force moved boulders more than 20 feet in diameter and weighing more than 275 tons, equivalent to the heft of more than 150 Subaru Outbacks.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 27 July 2026
Definition of torrent
Noun
  • The aviation double-major at Western Michigan University sent out about 100 applications to a slew of employers posting summer opportunities, including retailers, restaurants, landscapers and airports.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Eclipse smartphone apps 2026 SolarWatch The popular iOS stargazing app SolarWatch has had a major update to introduce a slew of helpful eclipse-planning features.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of slew
Noun
  • There will also be nearly two dozen Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans deployed to help people in need get medical assistance, meals and more.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Residents of dozens of villages have been forcibly displaced.
    — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of dozen
Noun
  • Packed with tons of comfort and style, the BMW XM Label gives off an aura like a seven-series sedan, but packed with power and similar comfort; impressive actually.
    — Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The facility employs more than 3,500 people and makes about 15 million tons of crude oil each year, according to its website.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of ton
Noun
  • The sheriff's office requested photos or videos that may show the child on a raft or boat with other children before the incident, as well as anyone who may have witnessed the child before she was pulled from the water.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Along with the heavy-duty foundation raft, the tower consisted of a hollow concrete core running the complete height of the building, tapering from 35 ft (11 m) at the base to 22 ft (7 m) at the top, with a corresponding thinning of the core walls.
    — David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of raft
Noun
  • Bobby’s is a flouncy skirt and a knotted shirt straight out of the early-aughts MTV Movie & TV Awards, and Elizabeth’s is a full-length dress made out of brown faux leather with a bunch of long plaits swinging off it.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • There’s a bunch of other Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul people on Sugar, such as director Michael Morris and DP Marshall Adams.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Definition of bunch

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Cite this Entry

“Spate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spate for Spanish Speakers

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