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
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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
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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
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And Spanish voters are preoccupied with a housing crisis, debates over services for migrants, and the government’s handling of natural disasters, including floods in recent years that left hundreds of people dead.—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
Nearly half of American houses predate 1980, before today’s era of megafires, floods, and hurricanes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
There are loads of under-the-radar towns along these states' coastlines that have their own unique charms and draws.—
Amy Thomas,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
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Buckle up for loads of action and a wild ride through SoCal history and haunts.—
Paula L. Woods,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Spring rains and winter snowmelt have swelled rivers and lakes, forcing torrents of water through Cheboygan County communities on its way to Lake Huron.—
Sarah Brumfield,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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The silken charcoal bathrobes are a decadent touch, as are the welcome torrents of piping water that rain from monsoon showers and the wonderful organic soaps.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Although Dot is not around anymore, a guest book inside the small museum is filled with names from dozens of countries.—
Chelsea Torres,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
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And there are the activities, notably multiple golf courses, but also 100 acres of sporting grounds, sports courts, and an array of wellness and fitness facilities, as well as almost a dozen dining venues that offer everything from a snack to an epicurean feast.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Noun
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This savory bread pudding has tons of flavor and texture from ingredients like French bread that's been baked in a rich Parmesan custard.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
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Multiplied across a day, their rate would have been over seventy-five tons per day per man.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Many commencement speakers are given honorary degrees, but the prestige associated with such matters has declined over the years; six-figure piles of cash surely seem more useful than an ersatz doctorate given to an accomplished alumnus or once-local homegirl.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
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Most earwig problems begin outside, where damp piles of leaves, firewood or other debris create an attractive environment for the insects.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
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But this number dwindles to just 22 percent in the festival’s marquee competition program, which features films that most often go on to win awards and land top distribution deals.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
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The club, owned by Connecticut Sports Group, led by managing partner André Swanston, forged ahead with its inaugural season in MLS Next Pro anyway, securing deals to play around the state this year.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Scouts spend hundreds of days on the road each year—long drives, cheap hotels, fast food.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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Cairo has leveraged the Suez Canal’s strategic location to host many subsea cables linking Europe and Asia, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually in transit and licensing fees.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spates. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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