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

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 After each print, the machine washes the leftover pigment from its gears, turning the once distinctly red and blue dyes into an oozing purple liquid. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026 Or take Doofy Gilmore (Dave Sheridan), a lisping dimwit geek who washes with his own spit. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 June 2026 Beaches are routinely left covered in trash that washes into the ocean, degrading habitat and threatening marine animals through ingestion and entanglement. — Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 Rain typically washes pollen out of the air. — Keerti Gopal, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026 This all applies to this set, which Fletcher washes about once a month with no issues. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026

Noun

Some were finely cut feathers; others, more surprisingly, were denim in various washes that created a kind of dimensional pointillist effect unlike anything else photographed on the red steps of the Palais. — Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026 There's also an exciting new campaign with Bath & Body Works starring Hilary Duff to promote the new Fruit Fusion line of body washes, sprays and more. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026 The Gen Z–focused retailer said the jean’s performance exceeded expectations, prompting Pacsun to expand production and introduce additional washes. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 6 July 2026 In addition to off-white, the skirt also comes in blue, sand, and black washes, which are all currently on sale. — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 In bright hues and neon washes, this citrus fruit salad comes to life. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 July 2026 Unlike typical celebrity endorsements, Tatum was deeply involved in the three-year development of this vegan body-care line, which includes washes, lotions, deodorants, and fragrances. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Plus, its dock automatically empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop pads, and can go up to 65 days between dustbin changes. — Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 23 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washes

Verb

Inside, indirect light bathes the alder-wood paneling in warmth and tranquility.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
This mode activates extra horsepower, up to 94 bhp (70 kW), adds fake exhaust noise and bathes the interior in purple light.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of bathes

Verb

SpaceX now flies roughly half the world’s orbital launches — 165 in 2025 and more than 80% of the mass carried to orbit — but its vehicles are built for its own missions.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
In a generation that promotes body positivity, Brandy Melville flies under the radar with its eye-catching branding and misleading sizes.

— Sienna Feliciano, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of flies

Verb

Zero Mostel, as Max Bialystock, then splashes a glass of water at Bloom to snap him out of it.

— Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Arthur also pulled together five quieter, more sensory-friendly options in the Charlotte area — including Birkdale Village’s annual midday block party and bike parade, where the Huntersville Fire Department traditionally splashes the crowd before the festivities.

— Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026

Definition of splashes

Noun

Found over the eastern half of the state in swamps and sluggish waterways, coastal marshes, rivers, ponds and streams.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia’s largest barrier island, is full of untouched maritime forests, beaches, and marshes.

— Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of marshes

Verb

When investigations uncover evidence of criminal activity, DOI routinely works with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to pursue criminal charges in addition to administrative or civil actions.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The lightweight linen-blend fabric keeps things airy, while the classic wide-leg silhouette works with everything from flip-flops during the day to strappy sandals at night.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026