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

With an extensive selection of washes, silhouettes, and sizes, there’s a style for just about everyone. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026 Robot vacuums have been cleaning carpets for 20-plus years, but the Robotin R2 Pro, out this fall, washes and dries them. — Richard Eisenberg, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Both are crafted from premium Italian selvedge denim from Candiani and is offered in raw and black washes. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Intimate skincare is the category of washes, serums, moisturizers and pH-balanced cleansers made specifically for the vulva, usually priced between $17 and $135. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The denim is available to shop now, with indigo washes to come in 2027. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 The same six or seven styles rotate under the spotlight year after year, with only a few new additions or washes, ensuring that our favorite jeans will have their time and place again one day. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2026 Cleanse gently, since harsh foaming washes and hot water can strip the little oil mature skin has. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 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

When the group gets close to a nest, the mother duck usually flies off, giving everyone a chance to spot the eggs hidden in the cover crop.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Back then, the company — which also flies the workhorse Electron small-satellite launcher — targeted a 2024 debut for the 141-foot-tall (42 meters) Neutron, which features a reusable first stage.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of flies

Verb

In this photograph snapped by astronomer José Rodrigues, the Milky Way splashes across the night sky above two telescopes at ESO's La Silla Observatory.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 Oct. 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

Watching polygamous families, Surya says, stirs pity, judgment and empathy in her, as well as fascination with the camaraderie, rivalry and sisterhood between the women.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … STAR POWER CLASH — DHS fires back at rock singer after anti-ICE concert eruption stirs outrage.

— , FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of stirs

Verb

The measure works largely by imposing deadlines on state agencies and courts to issue decisions quickly.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Russia's Federal Security Service said the man, who works for the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, was suspected of gathering information about Russia's defense capability on behalf of a Japanese intelligence agency.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026