as in sailor
one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel
old swabs swapping sea stories as they spend their last days in the veterans' home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to wipe
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 swab
Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Doctors can make a definitive diagnosis with a blood test or by swabbing a patients’ nose or throat.
—Liz Szabo, NBC news, 29 Mar. 2025
Jordan Greene, People.com, 8 July 2025
That swab confirmed Texas lab’s finding and Jellison subsequently found a living relative, a daughter.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swab
Noun
In this recent study, researchers in China analyzed wax swabbed from the ear canals of 209 participants, 108 of whom had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
—Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Doctors can make a definitive diagnosis with a blood test or by swabbing a patients’ nose or throat.
—Liz Szabo, NBC news, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
The bloodwork showed elevated toxic waste in her system, but the cheek swab test, which takes several weeks, would reveal the exact genetic mutation.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 8 July 2025
That swab confirmed Texas lab’s finding and Jellison subsequently found a living relative, a daughter.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swab
Noun
-
The couple, described by fellow sailors as devout Christians and experienced cruisers, were known to be cautious at sea.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
On Thursday, longshoremen worked in concert with sailors to haul tons of rice into a barge headed for Vietnam.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The Mean Girls actor also discussed why wiping Belly’s mouth in such a sensual way wasn’t only risky because she’s set to marry his brother, but because his character also has a peach allergy.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
In one of the famous scenes from the book, written by Jenny Han, Conrad stops to get peaches for Belly and uses his t-shirt to wipe the juice off her face.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
At the southern end is Beavertail Lighthouse, which has guided mariners through the mouth of Narragansett Bay since 1856.—
Bob Curley,
AFAR Media,
8 July 2025
-
The same spiny oyster will be used for bracelets, and there’s a Marine Link necklace inspired by the mariner link chain used to anchor ships.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Firm produce like cucumbers, potatoes, winter squash, radishes, should be scrubbed with a brush under running water.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Those tools screen for things like age of social accounts, posting and liking activity as well as LinkedIn connections, which makes scrubbing your profile a riskier proposition.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The federal government cut the funding for Marketplace navigators by 90%, which means you will be expected to either enroll on your own or book an appointment with a navigator early.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Carlin served as a navigator and was a member of the 22nd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium), 10th Air Force.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
This required a 4:30 a.m. wake-up, Hackmann said, to ensure enough time to bathe, dry and brush their cows before the 8 a.m. competition.—
Liliana Fannin,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Paxton’s team has brushed off the personal attacks, insisting voters are focused on his record rather than his private life.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Swish the mouthwash around to rinse the whole area.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
8 Aug. 2025
-
When cool, rinse each ear under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and use a kitchen torch to burn off any hairs.—
Jessica Liang,
Saveur,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The device has smart technology, which ensures your carpets and rugs won’t accidentally get mopped and that your hard surfaces dry quickly.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
10 Aug. 2025
-
However, being able to mop my kitchen floor on demand with little effort from me, is a great feature.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Swab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swab. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share