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 In the 1970s, there was a spate of sightings and cover-up rumors from across the north of the country all the way to Broad Haven on the west coast. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 The latest spate of civil actions could tie the city up in costly litigation for years to come. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 However, a recent spate of less-threatening numbers and back-and-forth signs of easing tensions in the Middle East have caused a repricing in market expectations. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026 The warning comes amid a recent spate of shark sightings along the Eastern Seaboard, as warmer waters draw them closer to shore. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Aug. 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
  • According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, a Beulah man was swept away in fast-moving flood waters on Sunday afternoon.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But flood waters have now started to recede and the city has reopened some of the flood gates, according to the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.
    — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of flood
Noun
  • The finding challenges earlier computer models that predict how nuclear fusion reactor materials handle extreme thermal loads.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For everyday loads of shirts, pants and towels, that’s more than enough.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of loads
Noun
  • In a torrent of articles, Weiner has pushed for global nuclear disarmament.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Total rainfall of nearly 3 feet was expected on the higher windward slopes, turning rivers into raging torrents and threatening mudslides.
    — Alexa St. John, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of torrent
Noun
  • Behind a slew of Burton buckets, the Valkyries were able to slim the disadvantage to 54-41 by the end of the third quarter.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Connecting people with clinical trials is complicated — even if people identify a promising match, there’s a slew of potentially thorny factors, including geographic incompatibility, and financial and time considerations.
    — Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of slew
Noun
  • The village, which is only reachable by a dirt road, has a few dozen homes lining unpaved streets and a small shop where locals gather to play cards.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, North Korea has expanded its nuclear weapons program, and analysts believe the totalitarian regime now has dozens of nuclear warheads.
    — Anna Coren, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of dozen
Noun
  • Naperville received 3,000 tons secured from the CMS bid and 4,000 tons through an emergency procurement with Midwest Salt.
    — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Several other Ecuadorian nationals accused of coordinating tens of tons of cocaine per month and controlling a half-dozen additional front companies were also named.
    — Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of ton
Noun
  • The current $100 base fee per board, kayak or paddle raft includes a shuttle to the put-in up river, Bass said; rentals are typically for three hours.
    — Mark Dee August 18, Idaho Statesman, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Maceta would sometimes have to go and lift him out of his raft and bear him to his bed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of raft
Noun
  • There is a decent chance the New York Mets’ group of position players next season looks similar to this year’s bunch with some tweaks.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Rams use three tight ends and there’s a bunch of big personnel types all over the league.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spate for Spanish Speakers

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