as in blows
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
those soccer hooligans need a sound douse or two from a police officer's club
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in removes
to rid oneself of (a garment)
in those days a gentleman would douse his hat when going indoors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dowses
1
as in extinguishes
to cause to cease burning
douse the campfire before leaving in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drowns
to make wet
the heavy rains thoroughly doused the tourists strolling the town streets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of douses
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
The formula is enriched with Japanese red camellia oil, a lightweight, fast-absorbing ingredient that douses the hair in antioxidants.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
Outside, the rain douses the flames at the cooperage, but the situation still seems a bit explosive.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
In this recipe, orange juice also douses the bran before and after baking.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
The formula is enriched with Japanese red camellia oil, a lightweight, fast-absorbing ingredient that douses the hair in antioxidants.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
Outside, the rain douses the flames at the cooperage, but the situation still seems a bit explosive.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for douses
Noun
-
From there, the two schools traded blows until intermission.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
2 June 2026
-
According to the coroner, there was evidence of nine blows to the victim’s head and neck.—
Jonathan Franzen,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The plan removes hundreds of millions of emissions allowances but creates a new incentive pool and more free permits for industry, aiming to keep refineries and manufacturing from leaving the state.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
In general, electrification cuts energy costs, removes the volatility of fuel prices, and builds more resilient operations.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Desmond successfully uncorks a stone plug at the island's core and extinguishes the light.—
Janey Tracey,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
-
After the fish has dropped, a bucket of water from Enid Lake extinguishes the fire.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The more militants are killed, the deeper the city drowns in militant Shia iconography.—
Nabil Salih,
Time,
26 May 2026
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However, the actor does most of the heavy lifting, even as Nemes’ aesthetic approach drowns the frame in striking shadows — a contrast made deep and inviting by Mátyás Erdély’s 35mm photography.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
As the sun dips below the horizon, the air cools, and the stars become the main attraction.—
Chantelle Kincy,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
-
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, says Hilton could see a boost come Election Day on Tuesday if support for fellow Republican Chad Bianco dips.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Here, The Athletic reviews Everton’s season just gone — their first at Hill Dickinson Stadium and one of highs, lows, slaps and… toasters.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
-
Moxley didn’t need a pep talk, just some stiff slaps from Marina Shafir.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
Spray wets leaves and in the cool hours, leaves are susceptible to deadly molds and mildew.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
At roughly 20 hours long for just the main campaign, the game already immerses players in Bond’s story for a period of time equal to or longer than most individual actors’ entire tenure.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
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For instance, Dave Asprey's Biohacking Conference immerses attendees into the worlds of biohacking, longevity and wellness.—
Alana Sandel,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Douses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/douses. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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