1
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
save your sweat: no one will appreciate your efforts anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in labor
very hard or unpleasant work
it took years of sweat to bring the farm to the point where it is now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
my boss told me not to get in a sweat about the accident—she'd make sure I wasn't blamed for it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in huff
a state of nervous or irritated concern
he always ends up in a sweat during tax season
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort
spent the afternoon sweating over her tax returns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
don't sweat over getting the application in a day late, as it probably doesn't matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to drip
to flow forth slowly through small openings
the oil coat may sweat through this varnish
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to interrogate
slang
to put a series of questions to
the narcotics squad tried sweating the mule, but he was genuinely clueless about the inner workings of the drug operation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sweat
Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
On the second day of the new year, the Golden Globe–winning actor (who is casually nominated for two different projects this weekend, btw) arrived at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in a perfect travel look that doesn't involve sweats.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
However, because the money doesn’t count against the cap, a lot of teams don’t really sweat owing a guarantee.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweat
Noun
This Pearl Izumi snap-front jersey is made with a tear-resistant mesh material that is sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and made for movement, and the cropped design, featuring pearl snaps and a collar, doesn’t look out of place walking around town or going to dinner.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
On the second day of the new year, the Golden Globe–winning actor (who is casually nominated for two different projects this weekend, btw) arrived at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in a perfect travel look that doesn't involve sweats.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
He was last seen wearing a tan coat, maroon sweats pants and blue-and-white Nike shoes.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
However, because the money doesn’t count against the cap, a lot of teams don’t really sweat owing a guarantee.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweat
Noun
-
The lawsuit, which was ultimately dismissed, alleged these were attempts to block her reform efforts.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Museum curators were inspired to create the exhibition in an effort to display items that wouldn't otherwise be seen, Sarah Crawford, director of museum experience at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, told ABC News.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The company says the system aims to tackle persistent challenges in the hospitality industry, including labor shortages, inconsistent drink quality, and long service times.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
-
What started as labor strikes and merchant protests over currency collapse and inflation has expanded into widespread street demonstrations and student protests.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The construction plans have generally raised fears that the London complex could serve as a Beijing intelligence hub.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Several Venezuela residents told TIME that the fear of what might be discovered on their phone at a checkpoint has guided their behavior in the days since Maduro's ouster.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As much as Payton bristles about media storylines and huffs about tempo questions, the Broncos went 25 minutes without a first down against Las Vegas.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 Nov. 2025
-
After 36 minutes of cagey huff-and-puff, Arsenal’s clean-sheet record was spoiled again in game nine of their run, though, as in 1903, their undefeatedness in that stretch was to remain intact.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Many houseplants, including tropicals and ferns, can struggle with the lower levels of humidity that occur in cold weather, when the air naturally holds less moisture.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
21 Jan. 2026
-
New York sent infielder Luisangel Acuña and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley to Chicago for Robert, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since a stellar 2023 season.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There could be worrying consequences.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Allergen Alert is aimed at restaurant owners concerned about food safety for their diners, and at at-home consumers worried about cross-contamination or inaccurate ingredient listings when dining out.—
Shirl Leigh
January 14,
New Atlas,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Their advice for homeowners and renters this winter is to disconnect hoses outside, let faucets on exterior walls drip, and keep a space heater on areas prone to freezing.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The nautical number incorporated the sea creature, featuring a tie-dye turquoise and green zip-up with organic tendrils dripping from the sleeves, layered over a coordinating racerback.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Officers located the teenager’s parents and interrogated them about the incident.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The agreement gives state troopers the ability to interrogate anyone believed to be an immigrant, arrest immigrants in certain instances, and transport immigrants to ICE.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sweat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweat. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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