species

noun

ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz How to pronounce species (audio)
Definition of speciesnext
1
as in type
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic a music that is now generally regarded as a distinct species of rap

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2
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common in the late 1960s there emerged a new species of actor: edgy and not conventionally handsome

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in world
human beings in general the future of the species may well depend on our willingness to limit the impact of an ever-increasing population

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of species The peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest bird once pushed to the brink of extinction in the United States, has recovered enough to be taken off the endangered species list. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Northern red-legged frogs are a medium sized frog that are considered a species of concern. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026 Here and there in the deep shade under the beeches is a species of orchid called violet helleborine (Epipactis purpurata). — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026 Green sea turtles were only removed from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s endangered species list last year. — Sophie Neiman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for species
Recent Examples of Synonyms for species
  1. kind
  2. breed
  3. world
  4. category
  5. stripe
  6. humanity
  7. genus
  8. genre
Noun
  • The ruling, the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s Societies Ordinance, has raised alarms over freedom of association as authorities continue tightening controls after the 2019 democracy protests.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The ground application was the first of its kind in Texas firefighting history, officials said.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • But in Zelensky’s office on Tuesday, an American sports hero was handing him an American dog breed.
    — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Just in time for National Dog Day, Rover analyzed millions of dog breeds submitted by pet owners nationwide to find both popular breeds and fastest-rising favorites.
    — Liz Gray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of breed
Noun
  • With new digital imaging techniques, astronomers were able to spot a new and tiny world orbiting 4 billion miles beyond Neptune.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Once these new worlds are spotted by Roman, the more powerful and sensitive Webb will take aim to fill in the blanks.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of world
Noun
  • In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Public-health guidance still frames plain water as sufficient hydration for many users, which sits in tension with the personalized electrolyte marketing driving much of the category.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of category
Noun
  • For years, Cole was mystified by a small, beanlike object with stripes which lurked in the background of certain drawings.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The 2000s look typically paired these bright palettes with bold prints like polka dots, stripes, and paisleys.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history – as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth – will remain with me always.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history, as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth, will remain with me always.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • These spacecraft — which are named after a widespread genus of owl — use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to study our planet both day and night, and in all weather conditions.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The early-season flowering bulb, which is a genus in the Iridaceae (iris) family, is known for its ability to bloom in late winter and early spring.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of genus
Noun
  • This is a genre film with a very intriguing world at its core, and Raja has brought a distinctive vision to it.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His career has also included collaborations with artists across hip-hop and other genres, including Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and Jelly Roll.
    — J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of genre

Browse Nearby Words

specie
species
specific
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Cite this Entry

“Species.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/species. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on species

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about species

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