syncopate

verb

syn·​co·​pate ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpāt How to pronounce syncopate (audio)
ˈsin-
syncopated; syncopating
Synonyms of syncopatenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to shorten or produce by syncope
syncopate suppose to s'pose
b
: to cut short : clip, abbreviate
2
: to modify or affect (musical rhythm) by syncopation
syncopator
ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpā-tər How to pronounce syncopate (audio)
ˈsin-
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of syncopate in a Sentence

she tried to syncopate her gasp of shock
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The lyrics are funeral; the beat is heavily syncopated, recalling the pitch and roll of a great ship in heavy water. — Ken Fireman, Detroit Free Press, 2 May 2023 There’s a lot that’s syncopated but very little that’s wild in either of his operas. — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of syncopate was in 1605

Rhymes for syncopate

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Browse Nearby Words

synclitic
syncopate
syncopated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Syncopate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncopate. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

syncopate

verb
syn·​co·​pate ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpāt How to pronounce syncopate (audio)
ˈsin-
syncopated; syncopating
1
: to cut short : clip, abbreviate
2
: to change or affect (musical rhythm) by syncopation
syncopator
-ˌpāt-ər How to pronounce syncopate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on syncopate

Nglish: Translation of syncopate for Spanish Speakers

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