awash

adjective

ə-ˈwȯsh 

-ˈwäsh

1

a

: alternately covered and exposed by waves or tide

b

: washing about : afloat

c

: covered with water : flooded

2

: filled, covered, or completely overrun as if by a flood

a movie awash in sentimentality

Synonyms of awash

• saturated
• dripping
• bathed
• flooded
• soaked
• washed
• saturate
• soaking

Examples of awash in a Sentence

The deck of the boat was almost awash.

the streets were awash from the heavy rains

Recent Examples on the Web

The American Film Market kicks off in Los Angeles today and the market is awash with affordable horror projects as the industry chases the next Obsession, Backrooms or Buddy. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2026

Best Time to Ride Fall is arguably the most scenic time to ride the Ethan Allen Express, when the Hudson Valley and Vermont’s countryside are awash in vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2026

Iommi then released two more records with Seventh Star singer Glenn Hughes, which were both awash in blues-dad cliché. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Upstairs, his aunts and uncles were awash in light, eating fruit salad out of large bowls and drinking strong black coffee. — Madeline Ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing awash

• drowning/awash in red ink

Rhymes for awash

• backwash
• downwash
• mouthwash
• outwash
• panache
• whitewash
• bosh
• frosh
• gosh
• josh
• posh
• quash

Kids Definition

awash

adjective

ə-ˈwȯsh 

-ˈwäsh

1

: washed by waves or tide

2

: floating about

3

a

: flooded or covered with water

b

: filled or covered as if by a flood

an event awash in emotion

Geographical Definition

Awash

geographical name

ˈä-ˌwäsh 

river 500 miles (805 kilometers) long in eastern Ethiopia flowing northeast