SPATES Synonyms: 218 Similar and Opposite Words

spates

noun

plural of spate

as in floods

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

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 spates Markets also have been wavering from spates of heavy selling of stocks in companies linked to the boom in artificial intelligence. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spates

Noun

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.

— Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Last year, cloudbursts, floods and landslides caused significant loss of life and property across India.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026

Definition of floods

Noun

Engineering experts said the conversion project is complex and poses many challenges, which include making sure older buildings can safely support new loads and carving up office floors to accommodate residential living.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
More crucially, Illinois’ grid is well-equipped to deliver the large electrical loads needed to process AI and other data.

— Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 2026

Definition of loads

Noun

Most of the deaths were in Hengzhou, where the partial collapse of a reservoir dam sent torrents of water into the city and claimed 26 lives, said Ding Wei, the vice mayor of Nanning city, which has jurisdiction over the area.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
One significant problem, however, is that red dwarfs spit out harmful torrents of radiation in fierce gusts of their stellar winds, which can strip away a planet's atmosphere.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of torrents

Noun

The data, compiled by ICE and processed by a UC Berkeley Law School initiative, sheds light on how the agency has operated in Sacramento, where dozens of arrests have taken place downtown and through administrative transfers at prisons.

— Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
The money will finance dozens of routine but essential items, such as a new roof, a 24-seat school bus and outrigger canoes that will be used by military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026

Definition of dozens

Noun

The European country imported more than 205 tons of medical cannabis in 2025, compared with about 62 tons in 2024, when cannabis reforms took effect, according to Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

— Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has dispatched 36 tons of aid, including hygiene kits, cleaning supplies and water filters.

— Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 8 July 2026

Definition of tons

Noun

Keep the area around your home free from debris, such as leaf piles, mulch, and grass clippings.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Definition of piles

Noun

Los Angeles and Southern California are emerging as power centers in this surge, with nearly $8 billion invested across 207 deals, led by space and defense firms such as Anduril Industries and Impulse Space.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Spectrum is the most obvious example right now, and recent deals show how much buyers will pay to lock it up.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of deals

Noun

Le Specs is a constant go-to for eyewear, with high-quality shades that won’t run you hundreds of dollars.

— Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Though none of them passed, the dialysis industry spent hundreds of millions between 2018 and 2022 to defeat them.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of hundreds

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“Spates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spates. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spates

noun

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