as in sex
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis our Puritan forebears imposed severe penalties for copulating outside of marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in sleeping
to engage in sexual intercourse the time of year when deer in the wild are likely to copulate
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 copulating
Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026 After copulating, the two males lay immobile on the seafloor as the female swam away. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
And finally, wouldn’t being near-perfectly still for an hour make a pair of copulating octopuses ridiculously exposed to predators? —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026 After copulating, the two males lay immobile on the seafloor as the female swam away. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copulating
Noun
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The findings, from 1,592 U.S. citizens of different ages, sexes, races and incomes, were collected between Dec. 20 and Dec. 22.— Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
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On his first day in office, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that declared the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.— CBS News, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
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In another, Hurst snapped a picture of a man sleeping rough on a slab of cardboard, one arm shielding his eyes from the sun, and the other pulling up his shirt suggestively.— Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
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Once constructed, the sleeping cabin program will provide wrap-around services, meals and case management services to residents with the goal of transitioning them into permanent housing.— Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, alligator courtship begins in early April, with mating typically occurring in May and June.— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
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In the Jackson Hole region, a small and isolated group of the birds gathers each spring at a mating site on the grounds of Jackson Hole Airport, where growing air traffic has created dangers for both the grouse and aircraft.— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include irritation, swelling and a thick white discharge, along with a burning sensation – especially during urination or intercourse.— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026
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Wilzig told the Miami Herald in a 2002 profile that intercourse and naked bodies were beautiful and natural, and no one should be embarrassed by talking about the topic.— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But, of course, thousands of American companies had trade and relations with China.— Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
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Armenia has enjoyed warm relations with Iran in recent years, with Tehran backing Armenia to counterbalance Jerusalem’s backing of Azerbaijan.— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Copulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/copulating. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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