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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The camp surrounds a sprawling forest glade that floods in the rainy season.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
Natural light floods the inside through floor-to-ceiling glass on the window facing the bed.—
Stefan Ionescu
May 06,
New Atlas,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Since 2023, McLane routes using this technology logged 280,000 autonomous miles in Texas, covering 1,400 loads delivered to restaurants.—
Eric Rosenbaum,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
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Between 2018 and early 2025, radiology case loads skyrocketed 25%, according to the Journal of the American College of Radiology.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Price, who has represented the district since 2013, faces a dozen felony charges, including grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest and perjury.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
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The morning after the première, Magyar and the two filmmakers gave a press conference to about two dozen Italian reporters.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Noun
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In 2024, Spanish police impounded 13 tons of cocaine from a container ship that had arrived at the southern port of Algeciras from Ecuador, the country's largest-ever haul of the drug.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
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Central Table Rock Lake boasts the lake’s largest marina, Port of Kimberling Marina and Resort, and tons of lodging, while popular Indian Point is home to award-winning Silver Dollar City.—
Taryn Shorr-Mckee,
Midwest Living,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
At Crandon Park Beach, a crew shooting an ad for Bush’s Baked Beans adjusted their camera angles to crop the piles of seaweed out of the frame.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2026
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Both residents and tourists cruise around on single-speed bikes, parking them in haphazard piles to shop in luxury boutiques, visit the famous Sunday market for clothing and home goods, or grab a cappuccino in a glitzy café.—
Rebecca Rose,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Tariffs have been central to Trump's economic policy, with the president wielding the levies as a weapon to push for new trade deals.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Sacramento’s political establishment backed Maple’s challenger, and hundreds of thousands of dollars poured into the race.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
10 May 2026
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Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have been plowing hundreds of billions of dollars a year into AI.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spates. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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