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
Seeds started indoors are more vulnerable to sitting in wet soil. Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026 Water from above can hit plant leaves, leaving them wet. Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
There's also the Whirlpool Aero Car, a cable car which travels high in the sky to offer an unparalleled view of the Niagara Falls Whirlpool, and the Gray Line Boat Tours which venture out on the water, perfect for those who aren't afraid of getting a little wet. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026 Some people danced in the rain to Latin music playing across 15 blocks, getting soaking wet. Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
To use a melamine sponge to get rid of stubborn stains, simply wet the sponge lightly and get scrubbing. Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 8 Apr. 2026 Then hose it down with a garden hose to fully wet the rug. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • It’s called ‘Spiral’ and it’s set in 1980s Ireland and dripping in folklore, repression and the strangeness of the Irish countryside.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This leak set comes with three detectors, which feature two groups of backwater detector sensor probes and one group of front probes for pipe dripping.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Police said the 2008 Toyota Matrix was westbound during rainy conditions when the driver, identified as a 44-year-old man from Fostoria, Ohio, lost control.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The budget rule dictates that when oil goes above a certain price, excess revenues are saved in a rainy-day fund for use in leaner times, to smooth out volatility.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And people are drawn to sports not just to gamble, or to get drunk, but because of the drama.
    Mac Engel April 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The felony charge from 2014 involved drunk driving with her baby daughter in the back seat.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As the smell intensified, Lina crossed to the front door of her apartment, undid the lock, and yanked the sticky door open.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • On immediate application, the product comfortably clings to lips without feeling sticky or heavy.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Small hail is possible, and an isolated weak/brief tornado can't be ruled out.
    Mary Ours, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Sean McMorris, transparency, ethics and accountability program manager with California Common Cause, a nonpartisan government watchdog, said in an email Friday that heavy reliance on outside vendors can increase the risk of fraud or mismanagement if oversight is weak.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The rain is finally coming to an end for much of Michigan, but the impact of these storms over the past few days remains in many areas in Metro Detroit, like on Davis Drive in Utica, where dealing with floods has become a way of life.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Borchardt said more rain (about half an inch to an inch) was expected Friday night.
    Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Police are investigating the death of a woman who drowned while competing in the Ironman Texas triathlon.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • By the first chorus, his voice was nearly drowned out by the sound of the audience, thousands of voices pushing the song forward together.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hotel accommodations were so saturated that travelers without lodging were seen sleeping in a park in the small western Cuban town of Viñales that draws thousands of tourists and rock climbers to its scenic limestone cliffs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Paired here with a pale-green Aventurine dial, the effect immediately recalls the Stella dials of the 1970s, but the overall effect is less saturated.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Wet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wet. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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