wash 1 of 2

Definition of washnext
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
After a few weeks, the plants are brought into a preparation area, where they are harvested, washed and packaged, Steinberg said. Jerry Wu, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Allison Gollenberg, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
Noun
The pigment is impressive for a tinted lip balm, providing a vivid wash of color while still feeling comfortable. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 8 June 2026 Beauty of Joseon’s gel wash is non-stripping and builds a fluffy foam that helps rinse and wash everything off. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wash
Verb
  • Every day revolves around medications, feedings, therapies, appointments, bathing, dressing and monitoring their health.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
  • That legacy includes crushing both hyperinflation and the Maoist insurgents of the Shining Path, who bathed Peru in blood in the 1980s and 1990s.
    Simeon Tegel, NPR, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • The Cougars came out of the gate flying, with Ani Woodard registering a hat trick and Emma Whoriskey and Taylor Watts adding goals in the opening frame.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Roy splashed ashore and ran along the old dock.
    Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
  • Nearby, a little girl splashed in the fountain beneath the landmark flagpole overlooking South Livermore Avenue.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • While food during flying days and science days was more grab-and-go, under Wiseman’s seat was a potable water dispenser that allowed the astronauts to wet food that flew with them as a powder.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 June 2026
  • Irrigate at the base of plants to avoid wetting foliage, which can encourage plant diseases like black spot.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Rinse the bird bath, dump it, and rinse it again.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026
  • Seal garbage tightly in bags, and rinse out bottles and cans before placing in recycling bins.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Though all eyes will be on North America, the national pride this event inspires – and the staggered start times that will allow fans watching back in their home countries to take in their teams during sort-of-normal hours – will stir incredible excitement and patriotism all around the world.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 4 minutes.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Walleye anglers should also try using frogs as bait in autumn, near places where marshes join the main lake.
    Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
  • Their natural habitat is near ponds, marshes, rivers, and lakes.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The walk-off home run came after the bullpen of the Twins (27-31) had worked four scoreless innings, taking over after a four-inning start from Taj Bradley.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
  • Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wash. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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