Definition of spatenext
1
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

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 spate Public pressure mounts in Washington The spate of security breaches has only intensified pressure on Republicans in Washington who were already struggling to manage a wave of political backlash over data centers. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 In August 2015, another spate of land mine blasts that maimed two South Korean soldiers and sharply raised tensions between the Koreas. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026 Today, the challenges facing the continent include a humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, a spate of kidnappings and killings in Nigeria, and conflict between rebels and government forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. — Goodluck Ajeh, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026 The apparent spate of slayings has sparked a broader conversation about violence against women in the country. — Rael Ombuor, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spate
Noun
  • The weather service issued flood watches through Monday afternoon for a large swath of Utah, southeast Idaho, and northern and central Arizona, including the Grand Canyon.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Those EVs will have to compete not only with longtime sales leader Tesla, but also with the flood of Chinese EVs that, sooner or later, will land in the US.
    — John Voelcker, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This is the kind of test that quickly separates a power station that merely has an impressive number printed on its case from one with an inverter and battery management system capable of handling tough, real-world loads.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Data collected from the test rig could allow manufacturers to design heat pumps and heat exchangers for high temperatures, large loads, and changing conditions.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Such terrain is already conducive to flash flooding, sudden torrents that can sweep down canyons and other low-lying areas with little warning.
    — Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision unleashed unlimited torrents of money into political campaigns, elections are now largely financed by big money donors and super PACs.
    — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have pursued a slew of criminal cases against protesters involved in those demonstrations, though many of the cases have been dismissed, reduced to misdemeanor charges or rejected by grand juries.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The sets also each come with a presentation box with a slew of accessories in their respective colorways, including a loupe, a travel pouch, and a cardholder.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Israeli strikes in northern and southern Gaza killed three Palestinians and wounded at least a dozen others, according to health officials at Gaza hospitals.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • What started as a few dozen brand-name drugs now includes a catalog of more than 800 brand-name and generic medications, offering discounts on everything from popular weight loss drugs to treatments for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
    — Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Prime Big Deal Days 2026 is here and there are tons of deals to take advantage of.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Dry air, tons of sunshine and light winds will set up a gorgeous fall day.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the aftermath of City being found guilty of a raft of financial breaches another fierce welcome was expected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The album slides between styles surprisingly smoothly and with a remarkable assurance; a raft of collaborators contribute production (primarily Bartees Strange, Grammy winner Mike Elizondo and Avis Reese) but there’s no question who’s in charge.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • So Sherman bought a bunch of funky fabric and cheap rhinestone jewelry and recreated the poses herself, as only the great artist of our postmodern age could.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Of course, the first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, remains the best of the bunch, but there’s some value and fun in Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade too (and even parts of Crystal Skull.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!