Definition of irrigatenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 irrigate In Boise and other parts of the Treasure Valley, some residents irrigate lawns with potable water supplied through public water systems. Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2026 The Colorado River is a lifeline for the Southwest, providing water to around 40 million people and irrigating more than 5 million acres of farmland. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Water lawns deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly before irrigating again. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Ideally, farmers would be encouraged – and even paid – to permanently stop irrigating some land. Sarah Porter, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrigate
Verb
  • Over and over, my father rinsed the rice, drained the water, then filled the pot again.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The gentle, foaming elixir feels soft on skin, rinsing away dirt and makeup while hydrating and coddling with flaxseed oil.
    Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The pieces can be worn separately or as a coordinated set and include the same washed trims and back patch consistent with previous Levi’s x Sacai collections.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • When diners first enter the restaurant, they’re greeted by a grand, ornate handwashing bar to encourage them to wash their hands before and after dining.
    Emily Rella, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The 29-year-old was flushed from the pocket and scrambled to the right.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • As previously mentioned, cleaning the main filter basket with a hose was easy, but flushing out the fine filter took a bit more work.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irrigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrigate. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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