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
-
Bells are then honored as vital sentinels during floods, crying out that the barricades have given way.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
The Nile as a source of life The Nile floods at the end of every summer, as rains from the Indian Ocean monsoon fall on the highlands of East Africa.—
Geoff Emberling,
The Conversation,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Levi’s went on a prolific streak of collaborations by releasing three collections with Nike and Jordan Brand from last July through January, and during that time and onward denim has been popping up on loads more in-line releases under the Nike umbrella.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
-
There’s plenty of space in the rear too, with loads of head and legroom for adult passengers.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Heavy rainfall in the area caused torrents and increased the risk of landslides, making rescue operations more difficult, state media said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 May 2026
-
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
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Beatbot iSkim Robotic Pool Skimmer Deal Beatbot's entry-level pool skimmer is an extremely capable machine, with a large nine-liter basket to hold tons of leaves and debris.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
19 May 2026
-
Every year, the global food industry generates millions of tons of oyster shells.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
The promotion, which does not yet have any media distribution deals or fighters signed, has ambitions for a debut in the first quarter of 2027.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
There are Netflix documentaries, Florida real estate deals and investments in a slew of startups.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
20 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
-
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 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
