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
  • During a phase of sleep called slow-wave, the brain’s vascular system pulses rhythmically, literally pumping cerebrospinal fluid through its innards and washing them clean.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Dry the shelves and bins washed with soapy water, and return them to the refrigerator.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The air was freezing, and the town was bathed in the crisp Arctic light of a late-winter sun.
    Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Even outside of his music career, Tree remained an ambitious and creative individual, from bathing in a tub full of hot Cheetos for a laugh or setting the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest kick scooter in 2020 for real.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 June 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
  • The best time to water is early in the morning, so the blooms dry quickly if they are splashed by irrigation.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
  • Then festival goers can dive into a truly iconic surf experience with a community showing of the classic surf flick The Endless Summer splashed on a jumbo screen at Powerhouse Park Saturday night.
    Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lave. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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