wet 1 of 3

Definition of wetnext
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2
as in rainy
marked by or abounding with rain a wet and dreary day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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wet

2 of 3

noun

as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity winced as he walked out into the wet without any protection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wet

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wet distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wet are damp, dank, humid, and moist. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

When is it sensible to use damp instead of wet?

The meanings of damp and wet largely overlap; however, damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

When can dank be used instead of wet?

While the synonyms dank and wet are close in meaning, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Where would humid be a reasonable alternative to wet?

In some situations, the words humid and wet are roughly equivalent. However, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

In what contexts can moist take the place of wet?

The words moist and wet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

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 wet
Adjective
The couple are farmers who live a few miles inland but decided the fields were still too wet to work and took a rare day off to visit town. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026 Mother Nature's apology for a dismal and wet Memorial Day weekend. Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Noun
For wood, use a lightly damp mop — not soaking wet. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026 For wood, use a lightly damp mop — not soaking wet — to avoid warping or water damage. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
To achieve the bright look, Davy used a ColourPop eyeshadow palette, wetting the shadows with some water and using a concealer brush to apply them. Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026 Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • Carpenter also warns that outdoor pooling after rainfall, unattended pet bowls, and dripping garden taps can also encourage cockroaches and rodents.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026
  • History will remember his leadership on 9/11 long after the wild-eyed, hair-dye-dripping accusations are forgotten.
    John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • December to March is technically rainy season but storms typically happen once per day.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • That number is 196,000 barrels a day lower than the comparable week last year, as cool and rainy weather may have dampened fuel sales, particularly in the Northeast.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Spending evenings alone at Wally’s getting drunk and talking to himself certainly doesn’t help Kenneth’s social standing.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • MacArthur recurs in Steve Carell HBO comedy, Rooster, as a drunk hockey coach.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • But when rains fall heavily between November and April, sticky clay soils make traveling around it tricky.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • One non-stick skillet for delicate foods (eggs, omelets, fish) and sticky batters (pancakes).
    Ryan Brennan June 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • As the story goes, attendance was weak, the weather was bad, and the tournament experience was just lacking.
    James Burky, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
  • As many as 40 states combine one-party control with institutional barriers weak enough to fall to political pressure.
    Bruce Sibley, Time, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Even though there may be slightly less hurricane activity this year, high winds and rain can still interrupt the power supply stationary cell towers rely on.
    Ayana Archie, NPR, 4 June 2026
  • Now, Goicochea warned, the current garbage collection situation, combined with rising temperatures and impending rains, could worsen the situation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Their hoots and hollers drowned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explanation of how a title defense fell short.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office said the man drowned at the swimming area at Little Emily Lake Park.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • While Alphabet’s deal was absorbed smoothly by the market, Cramer worries the market could eventually become saturated if too many companies attempt to tap shareholders at the same time.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 3 June 2026
  • Velvet and saturated darks add a serious tone to Western denim.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Wet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wet. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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