lave

Definition of lavenext
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
  • And don’t forget to wash everything down with El SIboney’s dangerously potent sangria.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Hundreds of residents in Tangerang, a city outside the capital, Jakarta, flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo and welcome the fasting month with a symbolic spiritual cleansing.
    Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • An Idaho beauty bathed in sunshine, ski legacy, and old-school vibes, Sun Valley occupies a rarefied place in the American ski imagination.
    Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
  • As part of the English Channel, this charming resort town first emerged on travelers’ maps in the 19th century when bathing in the sea surged in popularity.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Ralph Fiennes' Dr. Ian Kelson literally lip syncs for his life.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Juicy sobs into Athena’s arms, and Kenya freaks out about potentially having to lip sync against Juicy.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That epic spinoff lasted five seasons and 99 episodes and concluded with the ancient city splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, just a few miles off the California coast.
    Scott Snowden, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • These statement-making lines bring instant energy to a space, whether they’re splashed across walls or woven into textiles.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lave. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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