wash 1 of 2

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
4
5
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
The machine also washes and dries the brush around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 Guests can wash it down with an $11 Bloody Mariko. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
Fresh off a romantic vacation in Mallorca, the Friends starlet was seen in Los Angeles sporting a basic grey tank top tucked into a pair of light-wash, wide-leg jeans—a late ‘90s look that Rachel Green definitely would have worn herself. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025 Similarly, within days of each other, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston, and Courteney Cox all layered up in denim jackets, which have also been a celeb go-to for years in various washes, lengths, and silhouettes. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wash
Verb
  • There’s a variety of bathing experiences available on-site, including a cascading waterfall.
    Mia Taylor, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Some of those, err, parts are on display in the finished film, including in one scene where Tatum gets caught bathing in the toy store by a manager (Peter Dinklage) and then runs away fully nude.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Compost for Life uses black soldier fly larvae to break down organic material.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Neutrogena Clean Face Oil-free Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Recor prefers this oil-free SPF for his face while flying.
    Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 5,000-square-foot resort pool features a water slide, splash pad, poolside bar and grill, and cabanas with room for six.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Coppola splashes the screen with kaleidoscopic clips and a collage-like energy to show off their genius.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Potential for wetting rain exists and could provide additional containment opportunities.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • To clean, start by wetting the inside of your shower.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Turn the towel over and rinse each stain out with warm or hot water.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And make sure to rinse any nursing pads that have been soaked through with milk before placing them in the washing machine.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As their mismatched personalities stir tension with each other — and the group — old resentments bubble up, forcing them to reckon with their relationship and the lives waiting for them back home.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Cook stirring frequently until walnuts are coated, about 5 to 6 minutes.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Environmental groups successfully lobbied for the closing of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet in 2009, launched barrier island rebuilds, and restored thousands of acres of marsh.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Later that day, Kirkpatrick confirmed that the United Cajun Navy's drone located his remains about 200 yards into the marsh, not far from where he was reported missing, according to FOX affiliate WVUE.
    Jillian Frankel, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • How do these different agencies work together?
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The mixer's bowl boasts a distinctive walnut shade and wood grain pattern, and its food-safe seal means the bowl works hard (and looks good doing it).
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wash. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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