spate

noun

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

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.
Ma, Shen, and Xie’s proof has already generated a spate of further progress. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2026 It’s expected to catalyze a spate of passive buying from mutual and exchange-traded funds that track the index. — Justina Lee,alex Harring, CNBC, 6 July 2026 The Miramax cofounder has experienced a spate of health issues in recent years. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Boston Police have identified one of the victims killed in a spate of violence over the July 4th weekend. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spate

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spate

Nglish: Translation of spate for Spanish Speakers

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