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
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026 Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Noun
The woman later provided surveillance footage that allegedly showed her cat, Rita, being thrown from Booth's garage into the street while soaking wet. James Powel, USA Today, 15 May 2026 Their new book, lovingly published by Fonograf, comprises sorely needed reprints of their first three books—The Irony of the Leash, A Fresh Young Voice from the Plains, and Sappho’s Boat—along with Bird Watching, written in 1978 but emerging wet behind the ears in print for the first time. Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Verb
Before applying the resurfacer, blow or sweep off any leaves or debris, then wet the surface to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 Taking regular cool showers and baths, wetting clothes or towels with cold water and putting your pillowcases in the fridge or freezer can all help further cool your body down, and hopefully, get a good night’s sleep. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • Dodger Stadium is dripping in lore, from Kirk Gibson’s legendary walk-off home run in 1988 to more history, like Shohei Ohtani playing perhaps the greatest game ever last postseason.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Wash your hands at the hookah station handwash sink or the ware washing area handwash sink and you would be left with dripping hands.
    David J. Neal July 10, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Best Time to Visit Bellevue’s location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest means that its weather is generally temperate, with mild, rainy springs and warm, sunny summers.
    Sara Harowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • Similar to how double-coated animals like wolves and bobcats shed water with their fur, the fringe, when attached to shoes, pants, and tunics, could help keep wearers dry during rainy treks.
    Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • There were just a bunch of drunk guys at the mansion and a couple Playboy bunnies that were contractually hired to walk around and wave.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • The metal shelving across from the ice machines had sticky accumulation.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • To diagnose those sticky tasks and peddle its tools, Snap-on relies on thousands of franchisees, who make weekly visits to nearly a million neighborhood mechanics in custom company vans.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • But despite growing international demand for Chinese goods, domestic consumption remains a critical weak spot in the nation’s economic development.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The stock plunged 25% for its worst day on record after issuing weak preliminary results for the second quarter.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Dreessen predicts the smoke will lessen by the time thunderstorms roll through, lowering the chance of dirty rain.
    Nicole Pilsbury, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026
  • Moreno directed Episode 7, which centers on Macondo’s legendary years of relentless rain.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • According to police, detectives determined that Roper and the juvenile were present when Erving drowned but failed to report the incident and later discarded some of his belongings.
    Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • The incident occurred on the Elk River in Noel, Missouri, at the beach of the Two Sons Campground, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol drowning report.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Both are high in total and saturated fat, but hamburgers contain slightly more.
    Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 14 July 2026
  • Inspired by the rich cobalt hue long created by Yves Klein, Cold Picnic's International Yves rug delivers a saturated dose of color while still playing nicely with a neutral palette.
    Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Wet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wet. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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