wash 1 of 2

verb

ˈwȯsh How to pronounce wash (audio)
Definition of washnext
1
as in to bathe
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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2
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval the employee's story about missing the bus didn't wash with her manager

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3
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream soapy water washing down the drain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to wet
to make wet rain washed the countryside for days on end

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to rinse
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse washed the baby's hair

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6
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly she absentmindedly washed her tea by tipping her cup, until the honey was at last mixed in

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wash

2 of 2

noun

as in marsh
spongy land saturated or partially covered with water an invasive species threatening the plants native to the region's washes

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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 wash
Verb
From there, the exhibition gives way to the striking editorial images with which Pavarotti quickly made his name, set against walls washed in scarlet, fuchsia, canary yellow, plum, and terracotta. — Alison S. Cohn, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 Many cotton, down, feather, and fiberfill pillows can be machine-washed, often with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
Polymarket’s head of revenue and analytics Kyle Gesuelli told CNBC that the popularity of its low-odds contracts isn’t from wash trading or inorganic activity. — Davis Giangiulio,ananya Chetia, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 Grab the pants in a classic blue wash, white à la Stewart, or in a brown shade inspired by Middleton’s version. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wash
  1. bathe
  2. fly
  3. splash
  4. wet
  5. rinse
  6. stir
  7. marsh
  8. work
Verb
  • They’re bathed in natural light and come with spa-like bathrooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Harvard Health recommends bathing regularly, using a high-quality deodorant or antiperspirant, staying hydrated to offset fluid loss from sweating and talking to a doctor if a strange new scent lingers.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of bathe
Verb
  • With his ring powered up, John flies over and drops off a bag of money as restitution to the waitress Maggie (Hannah Christine Shetler) who lost her family in the Manhunter attack.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The system is designed to provide short-range protection against drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft, adding an air-defense layer alongside NMESIS’ anti-ship capability.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of fly
Verb
  • By falsely inflating their earnings, Man City’s ownership could splash loads of cash on the best players in the world.
    — Matt Piper, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The premium hardware and 500D nylon build offer IPX4 splash protection and rugged longevity without relying on the loud, militaristic styling that makes other tactical packs look out of place in a professional office.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of splash
Verb
  • Crumble up and wet a small piece, then gently rub it over spots and stains.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.
    — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wet
Verb
  • Squeeze some toothpaste on, scrub around for a couple minutes, rinse and get on with your day.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Leading off the bathroom is a small brick courtyard and an outdoor shower, ideal to rinse off after a dip in your pool, but not private enough to take the place of the indoor one.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • To English leftist folkies, lately stirred by Bertrand Russell and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the lyric, coming from Dylan, would cut through the anti-Americanism not uncommon in their midst.
    — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • Water glitters in a golden marsh stretching from the shore, promising breathtaking sunsets.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Monaco’s son, now 7-years-old and in the second grade, is learning through activities such as field trips to a marsh to study animals and the elements, or an at-school farm to learn about the life cycle of plants and pollination.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of marsh
Verb
  • Anderson of Johns Hopkins has been working with a dozen other researchers, through grants from Arnold Ventures, to study prices more and contemplate state-level legislation that mirrors the CBO’s options.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Last week, a crew of 25 people worked from early Monday through late Friday to get the second-term transformation ready, making the finishing touches on Saturday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of work

Phrases Containing wash

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was friends with
wash
washed
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Cite this Entry

“Wash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wash. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wash

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wash

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