spate
1
7.9
- noun
- /speɪt/
:
riada
- After the heavy rain, the river was in spate, overflowing its banks and causing concern for nearby residents.
Examples
-
But gauge it as you will, such a spate of precipitation still amounts to, well, rainy days.
Fiction book (1993) -
A spate of land invasions that began even before the accords were signed and that intensified throughout 1997 and 1998 was met by forcible evictions, large displays of police power, injuries, and death.
Academic text (2000) -
A spate of unilateral moves to capture and claim water followed, dramatically changing the hydrological landscape.
Academic text (2007) -
Right now, the US is having a spate of good luck in extracting unconventional oil, but that's another story.
Blog text (19) -
After a spate of burglaries in 1892, the cottagers lobbied for efficient police protection and prevailed on the town to build a jail (Bar Harbor Record 13 July 1893).
Academic text (1993) -
The sudden spate of rain resulted in flash flooding across the valley, forcing the evacuation of several homes.
-
Following days of constant rain, the small stream turned into a raging river in spate, captivating the local fishermen.
Synonyms
518
1.8
A sudden strong movement or flow caused by urgency and excitement
143
4.2
A sudden strong movement forward or upward, like a wave
24
2.7
A heavy and sudden fall of rain
9
5.0
A sudden strong increase in activity or interest
3
4.4
A very heavy fall of rain that starts suddenly
2
6.3
A sudden very heavy rain that falls for a short time
1
3.0
A sudden very heavy fall of rain that soaks everything
1
9.9
A sudden rush of water that floods rivers after heavy rain or melting snow
1
4.2
A short time of very heavy rain
1
3.2
A lot of rain or snow that falls in a short time
Heavy rain that falls suddenly for a short time
A sudden heavy fall of rain that soaks quickly
A heavy sudden rain that soaks people quickly
A sudden large flow of feelings or help from many people
Land or place that becomes filled with water after heavy rain
A sudden strong storm with heavy rain and thunder
Antonyms
Compounds
How Intense
Surface Forms
Etymology
Spate comes from an old northern word that meant 'flood', so it first named a sudden, strong flow of water after heavy rain.