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

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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 The Amu Darya was a primary source of water for the Aral Sea, which has largely dried up due to the diversion of its two main rivers (the Amu Darya and Syr Darya) to irrigate Soviet-era cotton fields. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 Whatever irrigates the imagination and allows the soul to exhale. James Parker, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025 Beyond the broad concrete steps that traverse the water-friendly (and automatically irrigated) xeriscaped front yard and through the lime-green door that animates the charcoal exterior cladding hides a small courtyard open to the sky, a classic feature in an Eichler home. Mark David, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2025 If soils have been dry or inadequately irrigated, consider harvesting nearly ripe fruit before rainstorm events to avoid cracking. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrigate
Verb
  • Skipping the step of rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of foodborne illness and other health issues.
    Wendy Bumgardner, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In one demo, the 132-pound robot is able to pick up a cup and dish from the living room, walk over to the kitchen sink, and carefully rinse them with water from the faucet.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dump it immediately and wash the pot, because that smell can really cling.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Once harvested, nuts must be washed and dried and removed from their shell and, for some types of nuts, first from an exterior husk or other casing.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • All that to flush and start over a year later?
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • When using hotel or airport restrooms, lower the toilet lid or store loose belongings in your luggage before flushing.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irrigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrigate. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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