wash 1 of 2

1
as in to bathe
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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2
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval the employee's story about missing the bus didn't wash with her manager

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3
4
5
6
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly she absentmindedly washed her tea by tipping her cup, until the honey was at last mixed in

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wash

2 of 2

noun

as in marsh
spongy land saturated or partially covered with water an invasive species threatening the plants native to the region's washes

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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 wash
Verb
Everything else had to be washed with a special antimicrobial detergent. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Reynolds’ colleagues found 97% of people had never washed them, and many were contaminated by bacteria, including E. coli, from foods like raw meats and produce. Matt Fuchs, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
And another lot of shoppers swear by the iconic Clinique Black Honey lipstick, which provides a sheer wash of natural pigment that can be built to a rich berry hue. Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Run another hot wash cycle, without detergent or clothes again. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wash
Verb
  • In the photo, the boy’s face seems to be divided in two by a shadow running across it, such that one eye is bathed in light and the other in darkness.
    Yinka Elujoba, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The basilica was bathed in a hushed silence as mourners from across the globe made a slow, shuffling procession up the main aisle to pay their last respects to Francis, who died Monday at age 88 after a stroke.
    Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.
    Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Listen to this article 2 min The final day of the 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and these next four rounds will fly by with prospects hoping a dream calls their name to join them.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The scientists proceeded to build a number of prototype urinals based on these findings, which also incorporated features such as a more closed design that better captured any urine that did splash.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And based on the relaxed grins splashed on our faces afterwards: mission accomplished.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Diagnosis Exams typically begin with a thorough medical history because there is a genetic component to wet AMD, and other health factors can raise your risk.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Serve Use a lime wedge to wet the rim and the side of the bottle.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Leave-ins offer lightweight moisture, detangling, and frizz control, while traditional conditioners deliver deeper hydration that’s typically rinsed out.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Let the treatment sit on your scalp for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Continue adding stock as needed, stirring frequently, and cook for another 9 minutes or until the rice is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. 2: Add the water, beans (with their liquid), tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Duxbury, Massachusetts — Jeff Ladd grew up fishing the marshes of Duxbury, Massachusetts, with his father and grandfather.
    Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The changes led to seagrass die-offs and widespread invasion of sawgrass marshes by cattail and harmful algal blooms.
    John Kominoski, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Thematically, the fractured friendship works well in a story that is so much about the joys of friendship and the pain of a camaraderie betrayed.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Trading Warren and some other top prospects for Alcántara could work, but what next?
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wash. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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