douses 1 of 3

noun

plural of douse, British
as in blows
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument those soccer hooligans need a sound douse or two from a police officer's club

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douses

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of douse
as in removes
to rid oneself of (a garment) in those days a gentleman would douse his hat when going indoors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

douses

3 of 3

verb (2)

variants also dowses
present tense third-person singular of douse
1
as in extinguishes
to cause to cease burning douse the campfire before leaving in the morning

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2
as in drowns
to make wet the heavy rains thoroughly doused the tourists strolling the town streets

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dips
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid douse the grapes in water to remove any grit

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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 douses
Verb
Is this what happens when Tamra finally douses herself in so much melatonin before filming that her fat tongue won’t move in her mouth? — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 In this recipe, orange juice also douses the bran before and after baking. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The formula is enriched with Japanese red camellia oil, a lightweight, fast-absorbing ingredient that douses the hair in antioxidants. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for douses
  1. blows
  2. removes
  3. extinguishes
  4. drowns
  5. dips
  6. slaps
  7. wets
  8. immerses
Noun
  • The impact of yesterday’s sharp drop in South Korean equities transmitted further into US markets overnight, spreading selling sentiment and dealing heavy blows to US semiconductor and memory stocks.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Guevera also reportedly came to blows with Eddie Kingston in 2022, leading to Kingston’s suspension.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of blows
Verb
  • The new approach removes the plug altogether by pairing two paper-thin nickel-titanium films that work in tandem.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
  • To prove to Miles that Sarah is telling the truth—that his work will lead to humanity’s near-annihilation—the T-800 removes the skin from his hand and forearm, revealing the cyber skeleton underneath.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of removes
Verb
  • Engagement between warring parties rarely extinguishes mistrust.
    — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Video on social media shows flames outside the building – and someone tossing something into the flames, leading to what appears to be fireworks going off – before another person extinguishes the fire.
    — Brynn Gingras, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of extinguishes
Verb
  • With notable traffic boosts over the Android competition guaranteeing more digital inches and headlines, the associated media coverage drowns out alternatives.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • James eventually drowns, leaving Sara and Max to continue alone.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 29 July 2026
Definition of drowns
Verb
  • At the other side of the woods the land dips into a ravine, the great trees end and dense bushes clot the bank.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Salsas and dips including jalapeños have also been pulled from grocery stores across the United States.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of dips
Noun
  • The Mother was the destination, but the slaps, pineapple, goat, and countless detours made the journey worthwhile.
    — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Pro wrestling is often viewed as a fake form of fighting, but the flips, jumps and landings are very real — slaps and kicks landed on reddening skin echo throughout SPW’s venues.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of slaps
Verb
  • Unfortunately, that only wets the top quarter inch of soil—a feel-good move for gardeners but not for roots.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
  • Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Definition of wets
Verb
  • For how much this book immerses you in the natural world, there is regular talk of machinery and robots in the story.
    — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • From the outset, the show immerses audiences in 1930s New York, and while set in a noir world, there’s a modern aspect to it too.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of immerses

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Cite this Entry

“Douses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/douses. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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