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
  • Dry clean or wash the rest of your clothing and linens, making sure to use hot water in the washer and high heat in the dryer.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The restaurant also had health hazards such as old food residue on equipment and employees not washing their hands properly with soap, city officials said.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After bathing, wipe up any water from the floor to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • As Nessarose climbs into the air, her silver slippers and the room are bathed in red lighting.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 30 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
  • The chairman claimed his words had been taken out of context, but his comments were splashed across the back of the newspapers and caused a storm of controversy.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Avdija capped off the incendiary 12 minutes by splashing his fourth trey of the half to give the Blazers a 69-56 halftime lead.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lave. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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