WASHES Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

washes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wash

as in bathes

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

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Relevance

as in flies

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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as in splashes

to flow in a broken irregular stream soapy water washing down the drain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wets

to make wet rain washed the countryside for days on end

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rinses

to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse washed the baby's hair

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as in stirs

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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washes

2 of 2

noun

plural of wash

as in marshes

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 washes

Verb

On the traditional-spa side, a JetPeel facial using Augustinus Bader products essentially pressure-washes my skin with nutrient-rich serums. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 Continue reading … CREATOR'S REMORSE — TV legend Oprah washes her hands of any association with Dr Phil or Dr Oz. — FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Griffin diligently washes his hands after his dogs lick them, especially before picking up a slice of pizza. — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Rain often washes those chemicals and fertilizers into nearby rivers and streams. — Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 Once the water is turned back on, the bread dissolves and simply washes through the plumbing system. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 Brunello Cucinelli kept fits classic (straight legs, slight cuffs) and washes light. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 July 2026 The vacuum and mop combo is a hands-free robot that auto-empties dirt into a 3-liter bag, self-washes the mop rollers, and auto-refills the water chamber for the next cleaning session. — Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026 In the video, backed by champagne synths and hopscotching snares, a tuxedoed Jaeychino strolls the beach in Margiela sneakers, his jacket flapping in the wind as seafoam washes ashore. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026

Noun

Even after multiple washes, the fabric maintains its soft, velvety feel. — Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested 34 laundry sheets using standardized stains, machine washes, whiteness measurements and dissolution tests. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026 While most washes were medium or dark, two-tone jeans and tan jeans echoed the Spring/Sumemr 2027 trends seen on the runway. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 Now, in everything from deep indigo to faded washes, denim is once again inching wider at the hem, landing somewhere between a classic bootcut and a dramatic flare. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026 Additional Tips for Washing Throw Blankets Schrader suggests shaking the throw blankets out regularly, removing lint or pet hair with a fabric brush, and airing throws out outside on a nice day to help keep throws in between washes. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 18 Sep. 2026 Save full washes for underwear, socks, workout clothes and anything visibly soiled. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 What are the best laundry tips for keeping clothes fresh between washes? — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026 The first rain of the season in particular washes fecal matter from pets and other animals into storm drains and then the ocean. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washes

Verb

The cinematography captures the lush expanse of the desert and bathes the characters in dark blues while never leaving the frame murky, and the use of steadicam and exaggerated zoom-ins plants the film’s feet more firmly in its ’80s inspirations.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026
Its southern exposure means sun bathes the area on a clear day while the view from the kitchen sink window takes in the beautiful landscaping at the rear of the home.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of bathes

Verb

The Super Heavy first stage is expected to make a soft water landing in the Gulf of Mexico while the Ship upper stage splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026
Across the street, the Llano River splashes its way over limestone formations and into reed thickets.

— Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Definition of splashes

Verb

Understanding the scope of human suffering and hopelessness in our world stirs a strong internal conflict between empathy and pragmatism.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026
While science is often perceived as cold and overly logical, for Schroeder its practice stirs a humility and appreciation for the vastness of nature and the depth of time.

— Brad Balukjian, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of stirs

Noun

Frith has three friends with her when she’s first seen traversing the marshes.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
The fly population explosion is due to warm, humid weather and westerly winds that have pushed the pests out of the marshes, experts say.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026