wash 1 of 2

verb

ˈwȯsh How to pronounce wash (audio)
Definition of washnext
1
as in to bathe
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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2
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval the employee's story about missing the bus didn't wash with her manager

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3
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream soapy water washing down the drain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to wet
to make wet rain washed the countryside for days on end

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to rinse
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse washed the baby's hair

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6
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly she absentmindedly washed her tea by tipping her cup, until the honey was at last mixed in

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wash

2 of 2

noun

as in marsh
spongy land saturated or partially covered with water an invasive species threatening the plants native to the region's washes

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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 wash
Verb
Employees went from the customer dining room to the kitchen, then handled clean plates of customer food to take to the customer skipped the step of washing their hands in the kitchen. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 An employee was washing and rinsing mixing bowls in the front hand wash sink. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
An employee was washing and rinsing mixing bowls in the front hand wash sink. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Uncovered, the untreated natural teak will patina to a matching silvery gray for a more aged wash while still maintaining its contemporary structure. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wash
  1. bathe
  2. fly
  3. splash
  4. wet
  5. rinse
  6. stir
  7. marsh
  8. work
Verb
  • Tracing Saint’s rise and fall over six seasons, the final episode was bathed in tragedy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Leah was the parent who fed the children, changed their diapers, bathed them, and planned to homeschool them.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of bathe
Verb
  • At his best, Fries flies off the ball with force and aggression.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Crews were not able to fly over the fire for several days due to smoke and visibility concerns, but were able to map it Saturday at 24,839 acres, Beyer said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Doggy Pool Party Let your dog have its day splashing at the Doggy Pool Party at Kelley Cofer Park in Tucker.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The crew of Artemis II, led by commander Reid Wiseman, safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after a triumphant trip around the Moon.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of splash
Verb
  • Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.
    — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wet
Verb
  • According to Typology, apply the serum directly to your eyelashes and eyebrows, and do not rinse.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But their work is less likely to become clichéd, because any stale fixations will always be rinsed and refreshed by the real.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • Every corner of the hotel holds something to evoke curiosity and stir inspiration.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Roast 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once, till cauliflower and corn are tender and edges are browned, pear is soft.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • Water levels across sawgrass marshes dropped below normal and, in some places, below ground.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Editor’s pick More picks A rare bird draws flocks of Southern California birders to this Irvine marsh to get a glimpse.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of marsh
Verb
  • That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Upon the Lincoln’s arrival in the morning, service members could be seen working aboard the deck as loudspeakers played announcements about the process for disembarkation.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of work

Phrases Containing wash

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was friends with
wash
washed
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Cite this Entry

“Wash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wash. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wash

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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