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

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 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
  • The next night after the stabbing, an employee at the gas station, who did not witness the incident, told the Daily News that five men appeared to be living in the weed truck — and had been doing so for about 6 months — and most mornings would offer to wash cars being serviced at nearby auto shops.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
  • Finally, Altmann reminded people to wash their hands well after outdoor activities or cleaning storage areas.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Guests contrast bathe indoors and outdoors in pools filled with glacial meltwater overlooking the lake.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
  • Notable activities include meditation, aerial yoga, myofascial release, sound healings and desert bathing.
    Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 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
  • De-escalate the Crisis Narrative The word crisis is splashed across every headline regarding mental health, but Redding warns that overusing this term can actually hinder our ability to help.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • As has been the case in prior tests, the upper stage should splash down in the Indian Ocean if all goes to plan.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 17 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Lave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lave. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster