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 Starting Monday, the town says no one is allowed to irrigate, sprinkle or apply water to any outdoor vegetation. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026 Powder detergents can help irrigate dirt and clay, whereas light-duty detergents are best for cleaning delicates, baby clothes, and other elegant fabrics. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026 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 Water lawns deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly before irrigating again. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrigate
Verb
  • If exposure occurs, it is recommended to shower or rinse the affected area.
    — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Because the pigment sits inside the skin instead of on top of it, this isn’t the same as a swipe of freckle pen that rinses off at night.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Airbnb guests can say goodbye to checkout chores like washing dishes, stripping beds and taking out the trash under a new policy announced this week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • An employee handled dirty utensils and dishes with gloves on and later handled clean dishes with those same gloves without washing hands in between.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While typically flushed out within a day, a small amount can build up in fat tissue with daily exposure.
    — Tracy Middleton, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Most people flush away a surprising amount of health information every day.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irrigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrigate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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