swab 1 of 2

noun

ˈswäb How to pronounce swab (audio)
Definition of swabnext
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

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swab

2 of 2

verb

as in to wipe

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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
Noun
Berk questioned why two chainsaws found in the garage and a third miniature saw discovered inside the house were not collected into evidence after initial chemical swabs tested negative for blood. — Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 28 July 2026 Samantha Tosch, a criminalist with the Los Angeles Police Department, testified that a swab taken from the trash bag during the search of the house contained a mixture of DNA from four people. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Verb
In the absence of active lesions to swab for HSV itself, tests must evaluate the immune response to the virus in a patient’s blood, typically by screening for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. — Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 Police swab the handles of Citibikes at the scene of a shooting in the Bronx. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for swab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swab
  1. sailor
  2. wipe
  3. mariner
  4. scrub
  5. navigator
  6. brush
  7. rinse
  8. mop
Noun
  • Thousands of sailors remain stranded in the region, unable to return home or keep the world’s supply of oil flowing.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The 45-year-old veteran sailor's journey takes him across the North Atlantic, along the Russian Arctic coast and eventually through the Northwest Passage in Canada.
    — Henry Larson, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sailor
Verb
  • My school would always provide some things, but not a lot and not very quality (those thin cardboardish tissues… some kids will just wipe noses on their shirts before using them).
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Once the bugs are gone, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and a drop of mild dish soap.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of wipe
Noun
  • At one point, up to 20,000 mariners and 2,000 ships were stuck in the Gulf, with only a few vessels squeezing through the strait each day.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
  • In other developments, the International Maritime Organization said at least 6,000 mariners were stranded on about 400 vessels around the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of mariner
Verb
  • Dip a soft, old toothbrush in the soapy solution and scrub the stained area.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
  • MiniMax denies the allegations in its defense, but the superhero videos have been quietly scrubbed from its YouTube account.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrub
Noun
  • Supporters of the theory believe that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan became stranded on the remote island after failing to reach Howland Island — possibly dying as castaways.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Many oncology practices have resources like nurse navigators, social workers, and chaplains available for patients.
    — Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
Definition of navigator
Verb
  • Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulyov brushed off reports of a possible autumn mobilization.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, no system is 100% maintenance-free; homeowners still need to brush off leaves that settle on top of the guards occasionally.
    — Nick Perry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • In her view, the benefit of rinsing to cut sodium outweighs the small dip in vitamin content.
    — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Right Way to Clean an AC Unit Huckstadt recommends cleaning your AC unit by turning off its power, gently rinsing its exterior fins with your garden hose, and applying a coil cleaner if necessary.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • The women went to the bathroom to mop the bottoms of their eyes, where their makeup was smeared from crying.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • Its roller has 24 water ports that spin at 270 rpm, or nine times per second, to mop your floors up.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
Definition of mop

Browse Nearby Words

svelteness
swab
swabbed
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Cite this Entry

“Swab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swab. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of swab for Spanish Speakers

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