as in sex
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis
the act of coitus is the natural method by which conception occurs
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Recent Examples of coitus
What this means for me, practically speaking, is that the director wants a close-up of my face as my character Joe is deep in dissociative reverie mid-coitus.
—
Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
When coitus occurs, it’s scored by unctuous music.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Paul, upon learning of their coitus, does not take it well.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Adding to these racial fetish undertones is a Black family servant whose coitus with Lucy’s soon-to-be sister-in-law (a white woman with box braids) is also constantly on display, leaving her to pleasure herself when he’s called away.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 31 July 2024
On occasion, the coitus took place at the volunteers’ homes.
—Gretchen Reynolds, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Feb. 2023
One thing leads to another — just because returning screenwriter Reid Carolin says so — and Mike’s performance for Max ends with the two of them in bed, after an apparent act of off-camera coitus.
—Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023
And there is a conversation about the necessity of being flexible during bunk-bed coitus.
—Darren Franich, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2022
Chris Jericho had to introduce two new members of the Jericho Appreciation Society (Sammy and Tay), narrate near-coitus between Sammy and Tay, explain what a Suzuki Gun was and promote a six-man tag team match all in one promo.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 16 June 2022
Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
When coitus occurs, it’s scored by unctuous music.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Paul, upon learning of their coitus, does not take it well.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Adding to these racial fetish undertones is a Black family servant whose coitus with Lucy’s soon-to-be sister-in-law (a white woman with box braids) is also constantly on display, leaving her to pleasure herself when he’s called away.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 31 July 2024
On occasion, the coitus took place at the volunteers’ homes.
—Gretchen Reynolds, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Feb. 2023
One thing leads to another — just because returning screenwriter Reid Carolin says so — and Mike’s performance for Max ends with the two of them in bed, after an apparent act of off-camera coitus.
—Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023
And there is a conversation about the necessity of being flexible during bunk-bed coitus.
—Darren Franich, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2022
Chris Jericho had to introduce two new members of the Jericho Appreciation Society (Sammy and Tay), narrate near-coitus between Sammy and Tay, explain what a Suzuki Gun was and promote a six-man tag team match all in one promo.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 16 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coitus
Noun
-
The findings, from 1,592 U.S. citizens of different ages, sexes, races and incomes, were collected between Dec. 20 and Dec. 22.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
-
On his first day in office, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that declared the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Lovelace O’Neal was transfixed by the idea of how much water the massive creatures would displace when engaging in intercourse.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
15 May 2026
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Common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include irritation, swelling and a thick white discharge, along with a burning sensation – especially during urination or intercourse.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The onset of mating season this spring has escalated tensions, with the males’ loud early morning mating calls particularly aggravating residents.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
Now is the time to visit for snake fans, as the reptiles are in the midst of their annual mating ritual, which begins with thousands of male garter snakes emerging from their underground winter dens.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Criminals looking to establish online romantic relations with lonely seniors before bleeding their bank accounts dry.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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The leaders of both nations met for talks and said progress was made during the trip to stabilize relations, although Beijing showed little interest in getting more involved in the war with Iran.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coitus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coitus. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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