dry-clean

verb

Definition of dry-cleannext
as in to launder

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar 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 dry-clean The company positioned the treatment as particularly relevant for garments that are washed infrequently or need specialty cleaning, such as performance apparel or dry-clean-only garments, where reducing wash frequency can extend product life. — Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026 In Lincoln Heights, decades passed after the closure of a massive dry-cleaning operation before residents learned of underground contamination spreading off-site, potentially threatening nearby homes and an elementary school. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 In parallel with these initiatives, the hotel has been working on transforming its dry-cleaning process with advanced, more eco-friendly technology favoured by high-end laundries. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026 Always read clothing care labels and do not presoak delicate fabrics or items labeled as dry-clean-only. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dry-clean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dry-clean
  1. launder
  2. rinse
  3. wipe
  4. wash
  5. shampoo
  6. scrub
  7. clean
  8. brush
Verb
  • Banks are required by law to follow strict anti-money laundering protocols and often have vast monitoring systems to flag any potentially fraudulent activity.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Depending on the surface and product’s formula, this might involve blotting, rinsing, or laundering the item.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of launder
Verb
  • Have a bucket handy and put each one directly into the bucket, then dump the bucket in the greenwaste and rinse the bucket with water.
    — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Hard plastics or metals should be thoroughly washed with soapy water, wiped down with vinegar or disinfectant, and rinsed.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • If your shutters have slats, carefully wipe between each slat, using a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to get into corners.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Simply dunk the head in water and wipe the wet pad over the hot grates.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of wipe
Verb
  • The warning was to never wash her hands while wearing the ring, because the eye could wash away.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In response, temporary chemical toilets and hand-washing stations were installed, the department said.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • How to Use a Color Depositing Hair Mask After shampooing, gently pat dry your hair with a towel or T-shirt and then spread the mask evenly over the lengths and ends.
    — Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026
  • Most people benefit from using conditioner after shampooing, Goh says.
    — Erica Sweeney, Time, 27 May 2026
Definition of shampoo
Verb
  • Shortly after, Polk scrubbed his Instagram account clean and went dark.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than paying millions to haul away toxic sludge, facilities could soon scrub their rinse water for immediate reuse to harvest high-purity copper directly off their treatment equipment.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrub
Verb
  • The bathroom had blood splattered on the wall, so hospital staff asked a janitor to clean it.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Following the recommendations by Abraham, a dryer venting ductwork should be cleaned at least once every two years to ensure proper air flow, maximize the performance of the appliance, and prevent the risk of fire in a home.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • The Daily Dividend In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su brushed off Elon Musk's comments about SpaceX exclusively using Nvidia chips.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lightly brush the salmon fillets with the mustard and top with the panko/Parmesan mixture, pressing down lightly to adhere.
    — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of brush

Browse Nearby Words

dryads
dry-clean
dry-cleaned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dry-clean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dry-clean. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on dry-clean

Nglish: Translation of dry-clean for Spanish Speakers

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All