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
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
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 Limit washing to twice a week and use a leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture between washes. Elise Tabin, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026 The mop itself applies 16N of downward pressure, and the base washes and dries it after the run. Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026 The bag is available in three sizes, as well as satchel and crossbody silhouettes in a selection of denim washes, canvas and faux suede. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026 Brightly Colored Garments There is nothing more frustrating than a garment that has mysteriously lost its luster after only one or two washes. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 Select sizes are available in other washes, including shades of both black and blue. Michelle Rostamian, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Use removable protective layers like flat sheets to extend the time between full washes. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 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
Verb
  • Chaparral flies autonomously Elroy Air completed a new series of autonomous, uncrewed flight tests of its Chaparral cargo aircraft under the US Department of Transportation and FAA’s eIPP project.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories The festival traditionally flies all the flags representing directors with films in the selection from flagpoles on the Palazzo del Cinema, where the gala screenings take place every night.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Across the street, the Llano River splashes its way over limestone formations and into reed thickets.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • Harry Kane splashes his face with ice water during a hydration break for a FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match on July 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
    Laura Schifter, Time, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, that only wets the top quarter inch of soil—a feel-good move for gardeners but not for roots.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
  • Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Plus, its self-cleaning function rinses the brushroll after each use and dumps the debris into the dirt tank.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Moisture is why LaMarita never rinses cauliflower before tucking it into the crisper.
    Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her arrival stirs enough secrets, crushes, and shifting loyalties to fill an eight-episode TV show.
    Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Perched along Positano’s cliffs, the hotel soothes the soul and stirs the senses.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the historic route connected waterfront communities that were once separated by rivers, bays, and marshes, creating a new way for travelers to experience the region’s seafood, architecture, and maritime traditions.
    Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Black rat snakes occupy an expansive range of habitats, from swamps and marshes to forests and fields.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • How the fake MyChart results scam works One campaign starts with a message that looks routine.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The term works best when the player on the move is important to their team, perhaps a fan favourite, but has buckled at the idea of joining (insert ‘bigger’ club).
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Washes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washes. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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