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 is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
Water the soil thoroughly, making sure not to get the cutting wet. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026 Using the wrong cleaning product or getting a touchscreen wet can mean the end of your phone, tablet, or laptop. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Verb
While most detanglers are strictly for post-wash on damp hair, this milky mist can also be used to prime hair before wetting it, doubles as a heat protectant, and can even be used to restyle your hair on days two, three, or four. Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 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
  • This dripping gold set is made with an untraditional take on the classic French tip that takes the chrome finish to the next level.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • They’re meant to be neat, self-contained, and easy to manage without dripping, crumbling, or requiring a balancing act at a cocktail table.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Hikers and rainy destination-goers will also appreciate the discount on The North Face's Antora rain jacket.
    Kayla Becker, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2026
  • The regional forecast for the northern Horn of Africa, where for the most part there is only one rainy season per year, is also projected to be below average.
    Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The victims’ families believe Trost, who had been returning from a restaurant when the crash occurred, was drunk at the time.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • These days, noisy, drunk, barely dressed visitors holiday hard in condos that have been converted into vacation rentals.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 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
  • Even durable bouclé material won’t save a sofa built on a weak foundation.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Further, the hinge mechanism provides a bit more assistance, and the magnets are a bit weaker, reducing the force needed to open the phone by half.
    Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 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
  • When Rodri collected his Golden Ball award, having been voted player of the tournament, the Argentina supporters drowned it out with chants for Messi.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • But they were outnumbered three or four to one by Argentina fans, who drowned them out with long flat roars whenever their team repelled a Spanish shot, or bundled a player off the pitch.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Landscape shots really shine on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with lush foliage, highly saturated emerald canopies, and golden grasslands.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
  • This vital human skill offers career insurance, differentiating individuals in an AI-saturated world.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Cite this Entry

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

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