Definition of wetnext
1
2
as in rainy
marked by or abounding with rain a wet and dreary day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5

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
Today's wet dress rehearsal, which involves fully fueling Starship on the launch pad for a full countdown simulation run, is expected to wrap up later this morning. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026 The museum explained in the caption that, based on other nearby sites with more complete paleofloral records, researchers believe the area resembled a warm, wet, swampy environment — similar to the Mississippi River delta today. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
Frequent cleaning by wet-dusting and wet-mopping hard surfaces such as floors and tables with plain water or gentle cleaners can keep indoor air cleaner. — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026 Nokes said the beef that the store carries is wet-aged for a minimum of 21 days, meaning that the meat is sealed in its own juices, leading to the meat enzymes being broken down and softened on their own. — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Verb
Make sure water penetrates to the deep roots in addition to wetting surface roots. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 While the salmon-rich Naknek River runs directly past town, floatplanes also ferry fishermen to wet a line in far-flung, glacially fed streams. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • The presentation included dripping silver finger caps that evoked the sensation of touching water.
    — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to sagging roofs and mold issues, buyers notice minor maintenance issues, including peeling paint, loose door handles, and dripping faucets, Ryan says.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The offense again didn’t manage much during the windy, rainy conditions in Game 2.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • On-and-off showers are expected to move into the Kansas City area Friday, setting up a potentially rainy weekend.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Yep, wait until Bills fans get drunk and want to create content.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The words could sound somewhat pathetic, like a drunk man’s sad, self-soothing rationalization.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Each offers Braille support, screen magnification, sticky and slow key entry, text narration, and voice input.
    — Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Soap/Shampoo Residue While soap and shampoo don’t create dust themselves, their residue creates the perfect sticky place for dust particles to attach to.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has devolved significantly since its glory days atop the comedy calendar, proving to be a weaker platform for political satire than the Onion’s takeover of Infowars.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Production disruptions and weak output in Chile, the world’s biggest producer, sent prices to record highs, with the US accumulating huge stockpiles and smelters in China forced to turn to scraps to meet that country’s industrial needs.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Forecasters said Tropical Storm Nolo might grow into a major hurricane and could drop 20 inches of rain on the Big Island, with even higher amounts possible through Saturday.
    — MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Given early reads from retailers and brands, Telsey said styles for fall include ankle, heeled from kitten to high, moto, slouchy, rain and western, among other styles.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • His daughter's husband, who drank heavily, toppled off his boat and drowned.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Parts of Orange County, still a vast agricultural Eden, were drowned.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • At this moment, in an industry with a very saturated market, where the streamers are dominating and the broadcasters are a little more cash-strapped, the police procedural continues to do very well.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • But the saturated bottom, 50% carbon, is the consistency of axle grease.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Wet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wet. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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