spate

noun

Synonyms of spatenext
1
2
a
: a large number or amount
a spate of books
b
: a sudden or strong outburst : rush
a spate of anger

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.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch did his best to shut down the buzz around the theory that an electrical substation near Levi’s Stadium could be the catalyst for the spate of injuries that team has suffered over the last few years. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026 The attack was the latest in a spate of recent attacks targeting religious buildings — which has intensified fear among religious leaders and worshippers worldwide. ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026 The crash was the latest in a spate of recent attacks targeting religious buildings, which has intensified fear among religious leaders and worshipers worldwide. Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 Multiple drones crossed into NATO member Finland, officials said on Sunday, the latest in a spate of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) incidents hitting the alliance's eastern flank. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

spate

noun
: a sudden flood or rush

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