lave

as in to wash
to flow along or against the cold water from the stream gently laved her burned fingers

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 lave Such ties lave little resemblance to alliances such as NATO, where participation is voluntary and leaders are democratically elected. Loren Thompson, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 The running game had been ineffective through long stretches of the night, laving Cal with a rather lifeless attack. Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 27 Sep. 2019 To Eastward San Diego’s heights Stretch downward to the bay Which coyly laves her with the waves Wherein the dolphins play. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lave
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
  • Turn on your bathroom's exhaust fan after showering or bathing to prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew growth.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The words against Admiral Ratsiraka’s dictatorship that had lasted too long, from 1975 until 1991, the words that were bathed in blood in the Iavoloha rice fields on August 10, 1991, when the dictator gave the order to fire on the crowd of protesters.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fans have already seen queens who can lip sync for their lives, queens who create stunning looks, and queens who perform well.
    Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, giving cheeks and lips a healthy, radiant glow without drying or caking.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • They’re also rated IPX4 for sweat and splash resistance.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Reed landed multiple Tsunami splashes on Reigns, who was stretchered out of the arena.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lave. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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