wet 1 of 3

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

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

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 happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026 Underwood, with wet hair and wearing a towel around his neck from the postgame celebration, said the Illini were going to enjoy Saturday’s win for a night. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
Despite a wet and, in some places, snowy start to the week, Southern Californians can expect sunshine and clearer skies by Friday, with temperatures in the mid-60s by Saturday. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026 Most people opt for a frost or shimmer finish over a juicy gloss—think silky as opposed to wet—but a topcoat of clear glitter gloss can have a similar effect. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Simply wet your Makeup Eraser and put it to work. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026 Also, wetting the peel before storage may encourage mold growth. Hannah Harper, Health, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • All of this has been the culmination of slow-dripping songs for a few years before one of them finally took hold.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actress has been laying low since giving birth last summer, albeit making a surprise appearance in a nude optical illusion corset dress that appeared to be dripping with blood at a special Jennifer’s Body event in October.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite rainy March weather outside, the inside of their matcha cafe was buzzing with dozens of customers happily sipping on light green lattes.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
  • County officials said four members of the Baltimore County Animal Services went down the embankment and made their way through thick brush and debris to reach Trooper during a rainy and snowy day.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Abath, who also has died, was a beer-drinking, pot-smoking music school dropout and rock ‘n roll musician who occasionally reported to work drunk.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Timberlake was arrested in June 2024 after police suspected him of driving drunk.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes that includes sticky or chewy candies.
    Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Inspectors found a dead rodent on an at-home sticky trap and noted that the back area smelled of rodent urine.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • What can’t be easily seen or measured but can impact recovery as much as a weak muscle or stiff joint are the psychological aspects.
    Ian McMahan, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • After the worst of it, a similar but weaker storm was forecast to bring more rain through this weekend.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • North and West Texas have received more rain, which could lead to more vibrant blooms in those areas.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Light rain fell as ambulances lined up outside the cemetery and began unloading dozens of plain wooden caskets.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • How common is drowning in Idaho?
    Hali Smith March 21, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The discovery came after a search that included helicopters, boats, dive teams and motorcycle units, as authorities pursued multiple lines of investigation, including the possibility that Gracey may have drowned.
    Jasmine Baehr , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Conditions in Kauai have improved significantly, but authorities encourage people to exercise caution near streams and low-lying areas as grounds remain saturated.
    Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The color combos of hyper-saturated and nearly neon lilac, fuchsia, peach, and the like.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

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

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