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
Unusually wet conditions disrupted Brazil's sugarcane harvest, while drought and other weather extremes affected production in other major growing regions. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 West Coast, wet coast Forecasters expect warmer temperatures in Northern California, and above-average precipitation across the state, particularly in Southern California. — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
Because the chemicals are already common in textile processing, Tehrani-Bagha said the researchers believe the process could ultimately be adapted to existing industrial wet-processing equipment. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Chicken thighs are brined overnight for maximum juiciness, wet-battered and fried golden and crisp before being seasoned with the restaurant’s signature blend of kosher salt, gochugaru (Korean chile flakes) and roasted, crushed sesame seeds. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Bluff offers a gorgeous view of a section of the Tanana River and the surrounding boglands, ranging from permafrost forests to wet fens to bogs. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Crumble up and wet a small piece, then gently rub it over spots and stains. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • Two days later, the company confirmed a delivery received the prior week had been dripping hydrofluoric acid — a chemical that corrodes metal and can produce toxic fumes.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Even while dripping in haute couture, Edebiri somehow never appears stuffy or unapproachable — quite the opposite.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The pair departs campus for Chaffee County during rainy weather.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Audiences see that as early as the opening sequence, which features the titular character arriving at a familiar house on a rainy afternoon.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump alleged that Maher was drunk and had a drink in hand while touring the White House.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Matis was drunk during the crash, with a blood sample almost four times over the legal alcohol limit.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Her worldwide museum experience had taught her the foibles of museums and academia, but her sense of humor and common sense settled some sticky situations while moving (the museum) as a center for socially transformative debates.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Since Rock Candy came out in February, Mackeeper have continued to churn out sticky songs, and had one of them appear in The Drama.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Strangely, however, does tend to move a little bit more in the rain, Woods says.
    — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In the days leading up to the wedding, there was a stretch of rain, but thankfully, the skies cleared just in time for the celebrations.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Theiss’ wife filed a police complaint alleging that the men were shocked while trying to get out of the pool and drowned, NDTV reported.
    — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 31 Oct. 2026
  • And Saturday, with the game temporarily relocated to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Gators couldn’t even drown their sorrows in the usual Jacksonville sunshine.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • And a tablecloth reveals dense botanicals in a saturated hues of browns and crimson.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
  • If royal purple and tomato red are too saturated for you, go the baby route.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Wet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wet. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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