wash 1 of 2

1
as in to bathe
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 wash
Verb
The Chinese couple who made a living washing dishes and whose kids are now software engineers sending them to an early retirement. Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 The rubber that creates a tight seal on oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine doors certainly needs a good cleaning regimen to remove debris and mildew. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Noun
Lily high boot jeans: $238 (Nordstrom) Fidelity's Lily jeans offer a flattering mid-rise fit, boot cut design suitable for various body shapes, a light wash and a cropped length perfect for summer. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 Dentists recommend them as a sort of power wash for your mouth, using a stream of water to clean between the teeth and gums. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wash
Verb
  • It is contracted through contact with infected water in which women work (such as rice fields), bathe and do laundry.
    Diane Cole, NPR, 21 June 2025
  • Same goes for the title track, a warm reflection on a teenage car accident where his references (touches of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger, but bathed in synths) are most convincing.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • After his strike flew past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, Jimenez briefly celebrated with his teammates before sitting on the turf at NRG Stadium, pulling out a Mexico jersey with Jota’s name and number (#20), and mimicking playing a video game.
    Martin Rogers, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The pair finally splashed down off the Florida coast with three other astronauts Tuesday.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • The Dolphins and Steelers’ midday Monday trade splashed across the front of the ESPN website with one of those red-banner ‘breaking news’ alerts.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Use a garden hose or power washer to thoroughly wet the rug.
    Karen Grossman, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
  • Hysterical laughter later erupts as the camera goes closer into the bathtub to reveal the dog wetting her head under the running water from the tap.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Blowing air and rinsing with water and alcohol, dropped it further to 87 particles per liter.
    Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • When the berries are done soaking, gently rinse them with water.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • TikTok users flooded the comment section with responses describing the scene as heartwarming and emotionally stirring.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • But for those paying closer attention, something else was stirring: the quiet but powerful debut of SirDavis American Whisky, her first foray into spirits in partnership with Moët Hennessy.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The potential environmental hazards also bleed into other aspects of Everglades life, including a robust tourism industry where hikers walk trails and explore the marshes on airboats, said Floridians for Public Lands founder Jessica Namath, who attended the protest.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • At the same time, Louisiana’s marshes are eroding, and its coastline is fraying.
    Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • These low-growing, mounding plants work well as ground covers, edging plants, or in containers.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker can also work their way back into that equation.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 6 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wash. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!