wet 1 of 3

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
Messi scored twice and a returning Luis Suarez and Baltasar Rodriguez also scored to propel Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory against NYCFC at a wet Citi Field in New York. Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
In this scene for Episode 2, Devon comes in wet and starts going through all of Simone’s clothes to find something to wear. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2025 Consider drip irrigation under mulch so the water seeps into the ground more quickly without leaving the mulch wet for long periods. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Potential for wetting rain exists and could provide additional containment opportunities. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The people behind these neighborhood haunts aim to fill the gap between home and work, turn strangers into neighbors and friends, and give locals and connoisseurs alike plenty of options to wet their whistles. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wet
Adjective
  • The letter is dripping with LOVE for Israel and a frustration for its failure on social media.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The Wall Street Hotel’s afternoon tea spot is dripping with jewel tones—a teal-blue carpet, mustard lounge chairs, a deep-red banquette.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Munroe recommends planting before the rainy season to give roots time to establish.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Though, a lot of the trip was met with cloudy skies and rainy conditions.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The conversation, which has been edited for length and clarity, spanned topics like the powers of drunk texting, who should really have ghostwritten Britney Spears' memoir and what Edward Cullen has under those pants.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Enraged and drunk, Arthur heads to the brewery and attempts to call out his brother.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Qau will feature a cocktail program as well as seasonal and pantry products like mooncakes, Tết sticky rice cakes, saté paste, kaya jam and dessert kits.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The sticky, toxic by-product of renewable energy production has haunted the industry for decades, causing headaches for engineers and researchers alike.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Nobody can say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a weak team.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Akin to two boxers with weak chins slugging it out, Villa wanted to land another blow.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Across Hispaniola, Jamaica, and portions of central and southern Cuba, an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • At least four people were dead after heavy rain throughout much of central Arizona resulted in flash flooding in metro Phoenix, along with the rural communities of Globe-Miami, according to emergency responders.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Appetizer options include mini crab cakes and salmon bites, served alongside an assortment of specialty cocktails to wash it all down.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The lid and straw can be quickly washed by hand, though some reviewers recommend using a straw cleaner for better scrubbing.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The lack of saturated fat and antioxidants also supports healthy blood vessels and reduces inflammation, lowering the risk of heart disease over time.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
  • However, just because two specific shades don't work together doesn't mean similar or less saturated tones of each shade can't be juxtaposed in a visually appealing way.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Wet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wet. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!