etches 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of etch
1
as in engraves
to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface the artist etched his landscape on a copper plate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in imprints
to produce a vivid impression of in just a few pages the writer etched an unforgettable portrait of one of the more remarkable First Ladies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

etches

2 of 2

noun

plural of etch
as in etchings

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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 etches
Verb
The system etches three redundant data matrix codes, similar to QR codes, into the graphite surface, with markings approximately half a millimeter deep, according to the company. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 In simple terms, TERA-print sells a tabletop printer that etches microscopic designs onto specialized surfaces for use in bioengineering and similar laboratory applications. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 Sep. 2026 In the 1990s, in parallel with the work on optimal channel networks, geomorphologists developed powerful landscape evolution models to capture this constant adjustment and show the mechanism by which Hack’s law etches itself on the landscape. — Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 While the confetti settles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Spain etches its name further into soccer’s history books with its second men’s World Cup title, the women’s side of the game is awakening. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026 Kirby beautifully etches these notions into Miss Black America. — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for etches
  1. engraves
  2. portraits
  3. inscribes
  4. carves
Verb
  • Malcolm Arnold’s 2,000-square-foot business, Apple Core Electronics, on Flushing Avenue in Bushwick makes exterior intercom panels, sets their wiring, punches buttons and engraves addresses.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The company also engraves the names of the two teams, the final score, the location of the game and its date on the trophy base.
    — Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of engraves
Noun
  • Inspired by archival photographs of alpine pioneer and early Moncler collaborator Lionel Terray, each is captured in bold portraits wearing reimagined versions of signature Moncler outerwear and accessories.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Then, Nourry sculpted their portraits using her free interpretations.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of portraits
Verb
  • The path the moon inscribes around the Earth is elliptical rather than circular.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The current inscribes some victims’ skin with mysterious scarlike patterns called Lichtenberg figures, which resemble the limbs of a barren tree—or the branching structure of lightning itself.
    — Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of inscribes
Verb
  • The map, called HB 1, carves Kansas City voters in three GOP-leaning districts in the hopes of securing for Republicans seven of the state’s eight congressional districts.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The front end simply carves into turns with the slightest shift of body position, leaning over willingly enough to eliminate conscious thought and hesitation right out of the gate.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of carves

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Cite this Entry

“Etches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/etches. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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