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
Relevance
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 parts of the Tulare Lake basin, the ground has sunk as much as six feet over the last decade as water levels have declined beneath farmlands where wells irrigate cotton, tomatoes and other crops.
—
Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
In fact, from 2015 data, across the United States, irrigation (which in 2015 included water to irrigate crops, golf courses, parks and all other landscape watering), and thermoelectric power represented 90% of total water withdrawals for public water supply.
—Stephanie Threinen, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
In India, for example, the government encouraged farmers to irrigate their thirsty new crops by drilling into underground aquifers.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Perhaps best of all, the offering includes pre-1914 riparian water rights, allowing the owners to irrigate the agriculture with water pumped from the river.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
In fact, from 2015 data, across the United States, irrigation (which in 2015 included water to irrigate crops, golf courses, parks and all other landscape watering), and thermoelectric power represented 90% of total water withdrawals for public water supply.
—Stephanie Threinen, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
In India, for example, the government encouraged farmers to irrigate their thirsty new crops by drilling into underground aquifers.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Perhaps best of all, the offering includes pre-1914 riparian water rights, allowing the owners to irrigate the agriculture with water pumped from the river.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for irrigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrigate
Verb
-
Swish the mouthwash around to rinse the whole area.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
8 Aug. 2025
-
When cool, rinse each ear under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and use a kitchen torch to burn off any hairs.—
Jessica Liang,
Saveur,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In the clip, which Lizzo posted on TikTok, the rapper is seen washing a Porsche while wearing a denim top.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
-
First wash your hands, then follow these guidelines.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Being patient gives the enzymes time to break the bond between the stain and the fibers, so the stain can be flushed away during the laundry cycle.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Zach Wilson had a four-yard pass to Gordon, who was stopped by Ethan Robinson... Chubb flushed Tagovailoa out of the pocket, forcing a throw-away....—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irrigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrigate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share