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
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
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When a lot of rain falls very quickly, the ground can’t soak up the water—leading to floods.— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
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Typhoon Sinlaku triggered floods, tore off roofs and overturned cars on Saipan.— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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During construction, this plate is embedded into the concrete foundation to distribute design loads to the civil structure while ensuring the alignment of the plant’s mechanical systems.— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
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Einride's proprietary optimization software, Saga AI, is also being used to manage EV execution of select Amazon loads, including charging planning.— Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Even moderate rainfall can quickly transform these waterways into destructive torrents that overflow into nearby townships, including Friendswood and League City.— Dominic Boyer, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
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Wandering through the wash, the mind drifts not to the film but to the flash floods that move through this channel after heavy rains, sudden torrents cutting and reshaping the valley floor in a matter of hours.— Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The heartbroken mother of a 15-year-old boy who was beaten and fatally shot inside a Queens park as dozens of teens callously filmed the slaying on their phones condemned his killer — and those who did nothing but watch him die.— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026
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Webb escaped further trouble but needed another dozen pitches to finish the inning.— Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Chihuahua State Investigation Agency After locating the labs using drones, officials found tons of material to manufacture drugs but no people, who were likely alerted beforehand and fled, the prosecutor added.— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
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Asos has tons of polka dot styles at approachable prices, but one piece that caught my eye was this maxi skirt for its delicate, flattering lace hem that adds an elegant touch to an otherwise basic style.— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The three-block stretch, between 16th and 19th avenues, looks markedly different from just a year ago, when tents, abandoned cars and piles of trash crowded the street and sidewalks.— Da Lin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
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Black smoke billowed into the night sky of the Ukrainian capital, the morning revealing charred cars and piles of debris scattered next to damaged buildings.— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Depending on how much the call letters went for at auction, this might be one of the best business deals of the year.— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
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Here’s part 1 of the series, our look at wing players who could be fits at the mid-level exception or more modest deals.— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Slowly, incrementally, Andrew disassembled the coach, until hundreds of little bits of him were scattered from Rockville to Manassas.— John McPhee, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
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Climate change and persistent drought have already sapped hundreds of billions of gallons of water from the river’s annual flow.— Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/spates. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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