spate

noun

ˈspāt How to pronounce spate (audio)
Synonyms of spate
1
a
: a large number or amount
a spate of books
b
: a sudden or strong outburst : rush
a spate of anger
2
: freshet, flood

Synonyms of spate

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Examples of spate in a Sentence

A spate of books on the subject have come out recently. There was a spate of corporate mergers in the 1980s.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Japan has declared a cybersecurity emergency, following a spate of attacks on its companies in recent weeks. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026 Some investors are likely calibrating their portfolios for that possibility, while others are investing based on a spate of Republican victories. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 In 2026, for instance, upset victories by Democratic Socialist candidates in New York, with an 11% turnout, and Colorado, with a 34% turnout, led to a spate of news stories about the success of socialists. — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026 Then came the ‘70s and a spate of often schlocky but still unsettling films that married the two notions. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of spate was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing spate

Rhymes for spate

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Browse Nearby Words

spatchcock
spate
spatfall
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Cite this Entry

“Spate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spate

noun
ˈspāt How to pronounce spate (audio)
: a sudden flood or rush
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