spate
20 synonyms for spate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden rush or outpouring of something, especially a large number of events happening close together.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use spate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a spate of
in spate
a recent spate
Etymology
From Middle English and Scots spate, "a flood," likely related to "spatter" and ultimately to the idea of water spitting or splashing forth.
Full origin of spate →Frequently asked questions
What does “spate” mean?
The word “spate” means a sudden rush or outpouring of something, especially a large number of events happening close together. In plain terms, a sudden burst of many things happening at once, or a river swelling with floodwater.
How do you pronounce “spate”?
“Spate” is pronounced spayt (/speɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “spate” in a sentence?
Here is “spate” used in a sentence: “The city saw a spate of burglaries last winter.”
What part of speech is “spate”?
“Spate” is a noun.
Where does the word “spate” come from?
The word “spate” comes from Middle English. From Middle English and Scots spate, "a flood," likely related to "spatter" and ultimately to the idea of water spitting or splashing forth.
How many meanings does “spate” have?
“Spate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden rush or outpouring of something, especially a large number of events happening close together.
