1
as in floods
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms
a spate of words has been published on this controversial topic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loads
a considerable amount
an off-color remark that drew a spate of complaints from TV viewers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 spates
When spates of violence like that occur, Norman said the department increases patrols in that area, drawing on resources from outside the area to do so.
—
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spates
Noun
-
The organization focuses on the big disasters that often grip the headlines, such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes – but also offers information about preparing for winter storms, tsunamis, tornados, lightning, hail and extreme heat.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This dual-purpose design requires exceptional stiffness, vibration control, and precision engineering, allowing heavy highway loads and high-speed rail traffic to share the same structure safely.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Same question, loads of responses.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The death of Banda Amidst the torrents, Arisu follows the sound of Usagi’s voice, as they are both swept towards a watery vortex that leads to the world of the dead.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The bulls got a dovish turn from the Federal Reserve without much noticeable slowing in growth, with stock indexes at a record, credit markets blissfully sedate and capital investments running in torrents into the economy.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As usual, the college football slate delivers tons of options, with none bigger than the Vanderbilt-Alabama and Miami-Florida State games.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Furthermore, a significant portion of plastic waste is incinerated, resulting in the emission of 850 million tons of greenhouse gases.—
Miguel A. Torres,
Time,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Last year, Kardashians decorations took a spookier turn, with the reality star’s house being decorated with creepy floating ghosts, witches brooms and piles of pumpkins in shades of traditional orange — plus green, white and hues of brown — and covered in sprawling vines.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Hallways were lined with debris and plastic bags while clothing, wall decor and lamps became piles of litter inside apartment units.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Be sure to check back every week for the top deals from new stores.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
-
From high-tech skin tools to oral care upgrades that make fresh breath feel less like a chore, these wellness deals are all about feeling good from the inside out.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The maintenance of this expertise took dedicated chunks of time that had to be spread over lengthy and secure careers.—
Time,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
-
This shock vaporized chunks of the industrial bases of nations around the world, including the United States.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As mentioned before, Angel’s Envy 10 Cask Strength will be available starting October 10 (SRP $250) in limited quantities at select retailers and the Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Ferrara said the growth of the domestic apparel manufacturing industry can only happen if brands and retailers are willing to buy American—even in very small quantities.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spates. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share