a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession, a sudden flood in a river, especially one caused by heavy rains or melting snow

in a spate of something, spate fishing, spate irrigation

Formal and Informal Expressions of spate

In different contexts, you can replace 'spate' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'outbreak, surge' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bunch, heap' is a commonplace synonym.

spate: Explore its Definition & Usage

spate Definition

1a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession
2a sudden flood in a river, especially one caused by heavy rains or melting snow

Using spate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
There has been a spate of burglaries in the area recently.
Example
The town was hit by a spate of vandalism last night.
Example
The river burst its banks after a spate of heavy rain.
Example
The company experienced a spate of resignations last month.

spate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for spate

Phrases with spate

in a spate of something
in a sudden and large amount of something
Example
In a spate of anger, she threw her phone across the room.
spate fishing
the activity of fishing during a sudden increase in the water level of a river
Example
Spate fishing is popular among anglers who enjoy the challenge of catching fish in fast-moving water.
spate irrigation
a method of irrigation that uses the sudden increase in water flow in a river to irrigate crops
Example
Farmers in the region rely on spate irrigation to grow their crops during the dry season.

Origins of spate

origin unknown

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Summary: spate in Brief

The term 'spate' [speɪt] refers to a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession. It can also refer to a sudden flood in a river, especially one caused by heavy rains or melting snow. Examples include 'There has been a spate of burglaries in the area recently.' and 'The river burst its banks after a spate of heavy rain.' Phrases like 'in a spate of something' denote a sudden and large amount of something.