washes 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of wash
1
as in bathes
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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2
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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3
4
5
6
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
Another agreed, comparing them to their Spanx AirEssentials set, but saying this one washes better. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025 To start with a wedding, then wait ’til later to figure out the details of who washes the dishes and whether the toilet seat stays down, sounds backwards but is certainly better than hostage-taking and war without an achievable end. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025 Its Ozmo roller mop washes itself with hot water and dries with heated air. PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 Unlike on Earth, however, where rain washes dust from the air, Martian dust can linger for months. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025 According to Energy Star, the average American family washes approximately 300 loads of laundry annually. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025 Boiled down in a cauldron using traditional methods, the sulfate-free formula bubbles up into a lovely lather that washes hands without stripping them (the glycerin, as well as coconut, olive, and sweet almond oils, are to thank) and fills the room with its sophisticated, Provençal scents. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 Environmental groups support paying farmers to leave flood-prone land because floodwater that spreads across farm fields washes fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals into rivers, causing a range of down-river harms. Molly Parker, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025 The machine also washes and dries the brush around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
At the time of the launch, the lineup included all-purpose cleaners, dish soaps, hand washes, hand cream and candles, much of which was Made in Italy. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 Some clothing may be pretreated with permethrin and deter mosquitoes for up to 20 washes. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2025 The pants come in both medium and light washes, sizes ranging from XS to XL, and the 28-inch inseam is suitable for petite shoppers. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025 The mop self-washes with hot water every cycle, not cold, and the Triple Lift system automatically lifts the mop off carpet so your rugs stay dry while hard floors get the full vacuum-plus-mop treatment in one run. PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025 The Calvin Klein Jeans Spring 2024 collection features updated denim pieces with new fits and versatile washes. Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2025 The body washes are accompanied by a full range of matching products including body scrubs, hand washes and deodorants available for a limited time at Walmart and select retailers. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 But when the woman takes it home and hand-washes it, strange things happen. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 To reduce wear on your bed sheets, consider using hot water every few washes if possible. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washes
Verb
  • On a crisp fall day, sun bathes the stones in light and a cat — one of a handful that roam the property — hops leisurely upon one.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Cha See’s lighting design bathes the set in the warm golden hue of the past and costume designer Qween Jean and hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis team up to bring the ‘70s back in full living color with bold prints, bouffants, and miniskirts.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The flag of the Wilton Rancheria now flies alongside Elk Grove’s city flag in what leaders said is a historic moment for both city and tribe.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The Taurid meteor shower blooms when Earth flies through debris left behind by Comet 2P/Encke.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Reed landed multiple Tsunami splashes on Reigns, who was stretchered out of the arena.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Coppola splashes the screen with kaleidoscopic clips and a collage-like energy to show off their genius.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But the comedy is absolutely something that wets my beak, I'm drawn to it.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Watering from above also wets the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases or powdery mildew on a mum's leaves.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Go with the classic Sun In Hair Lightener, enriched with aloe, marigold, chamomile, and flaxseed, or the newer Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color, which rinses out after one wash.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Yet, beneath this comforting picture, another reality stirs.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Something stirs beneath the surface as this mystifying energy takes hold, inviting us to explore the shadows, confront the truth and rise into transformation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There, the village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François provides a gateway to the deeper Charlevoix region, designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve for rich ecosystems that vary from coastal marshes to boreal forests.
    Outside, Outside, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Spend some time adventuring on the island’s creeks and marshes via a kayak tour.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The fundraiser benefits Hamilton's CARES Foundation, an organization that works with cancer research centers and emphasizes finding cures that prevent long-term harm to patients.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The chip that works this optical magic is not much to see.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washes. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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