as in to rinse
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
if you get the chemical in your eye, irrigate the eye thoroughly with water
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Recent Examples of irrigate
The country is facing a massive food shortage because the government is spraying a corporate sports drink instead of water to irrigate the nation’s farms.
—
Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Do not irrigate if there is snow cover over the lawn.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025
The Sonoran Institute planted and irrigated them in one of a series of stepping stones that birds may use on their way north from the ciénega and wintering grounds throughout Latin America.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Water from the Central Valley Project irrigates roughly one-third of California agriculture, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.
—CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Do not irrigate if there is snow cover over the lawn.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025
The Sonoran Institute planted and irrigated them in one of a series of stepping stones that birds may use on their way north from the ciénega and wintering grounds throughout Latin America.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Water from the Central Valley Project irrigates roughly one-third of California agriculture, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.
—CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrigate
Verb
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Gently rub the stone over the stains, rinsing often as the soap scum builds up.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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Assess an Extra Rinse Ensure all detergent is rinsed out completely, advises Alicia Sokolowski, co-CEO of AspenClean.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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According to Jagaric, this type of underwear is best washed in cool water using a mild detergent.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
InStyle,
22 Jan. 2026
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Women washed raw mining materials, which are often full of toxic metals and, in some cases, mildly radioactive.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If the water is shut off, pipes should be fully drained by flushing toilets and running faucets.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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These odors are often exacerbated by high moisture levels from the sinks, showers, tubs, not to mention what gets flushed down our drains.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irrigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrigate. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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