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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Their extended range enables comprehensive mapping of vast territories, tracking snow levels to predict floods or hydroelectric output, and keeping a watchful eye on natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Mar. 2026
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Critics have said that the policy that all spending over $100,000 had to be personally approved by Noem delayed FEMA response during disasters, including during the central Texas floods in 2025.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Accessibility Hotel Thaynes has loads of accessibility accommodations for those who require it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
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Sagging Rooflines Heavy snow and ice loads can cause your roofline to bow or sag.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lightning made the sky as bright as day, the thunder was a continuous crash, and torrents of rain poured down.—
Doris DeCleene,
Outdoor Life,
25 Feb. 2026
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According to experts, these homes encroach on a path that has carried torrents of water for centuries during periods of heavy rains.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fry has been arrested more than two dozen times since 2003, on a range of offenses including assault, burglary, driving with an invalid license, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, according to court records.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Mar. 2026
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The legislative blueprint outlines a half-dozen guiding principles for lawmakers, focusing on protecting children, preventing electricity costs from surging, respecting intellectual property rights, preventing censorship and educating Americans on using the technology.—
SEUNG MIN KIM,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Based in Sasebo, Japan, the Tripoli, almost 850 feet long and displacing 45,000 tons, is essentially a small aircraft carrier an d carries F-35 stealth fighters and MV-22 Osprey transports as well as landing craft to move troops ashore.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
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An asteroid weighing about 7 tons and traveling at 45,000 miles per hour zoomed over multiple states and lit up the sky as a meteor Tuesday morning, causing a loud boom that some residents mistook for an explosion, officials said.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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More than half of the bulk trash piles were scheduled for collection by a contractor, with fees charged to the property owners.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
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The surge in crude prices unleashed by the Middle East conflict upends that and piles further pressure on the public finances.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The reality television show that made the family a household name has been off the air for over a decade, but the family managed to foray the cancellation of the original series into TLC spin-offs, brand deals, and social media fame.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
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Hua will boost day-to-day brand deals, production, licensing and other deals for content creators.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At another center in Hubei, around 100 humanoid robots generate data by repeatedly performing actions such as folding and ironing clothes and wiping tables hundreds of times.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
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Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Arab Gulf neighbors during the war, causing significant damage and rattling economies even as most are intercepted.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spates. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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