washed 1 of 2

washed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of wash
1
as in splashed
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
6
as in stirred
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 washed
Adjective
Made from naturally breathable, skin-friendly, pre-washed linen, the quilt is designed to hold up for years while growing softer with every wash. Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026 As the Cyclospora outbreak grows, experts recommend washing all fresh produce that hasn’t been pre-washed—not just lettuce. Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026 Produce should then be thoroughly washed, even if it’s labeled as pre-washed. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 20 July 2026 Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged salad mixes. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026 Raspberries, blackberries, lettuce, cilantro, snow peas, and basil and pre-washed bagged salads have all been implicated in past cyclosporiasis outbreaks. Alice Park, Time, 17 July 2026 Public health officials recommend buying whole heads of lettuce rather than bagged, shredded or loose salad mixes (including pre-washed ones). Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 July 2026 Michigan health officials recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed lettuce; discarding outer layers of lettuce; and washing inner leaves. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 The post said the restaurant is soaking and washing produce again, even if the lettuce and spinach are pre-washed but not bagged. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Verb
And because nobody washed the dishes before tossing them into the feasting pit, King and his colleagues (in a 2017 study) could analyze the microscopic residue of ancient drinks that had soaked into the ceramic. ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 The towel is no longer absorbent or has a greasy-type feeling after it has been washed. Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026 Those damp, dirty towels needed to be washed and dried before they were used again. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Then the pulp was harvested, washed, and mixed with sorbitol and cellulose. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026 Most pillows, including those filled with down and synthetic materials, can be washed easily in the washing machine and should be washed every few months. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Pea gravel or washed ¼- to ⅜-inch quartzite or granite-chip gravel are good choices. Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Dozens of homes were washed from foundations, bridges were damaged and about 13,200 customers on the Big Island remained without power Thursday. ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 Hands should get washed after coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose. Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washed
Adjective
  • The 59-year-old actress kept the summer vibes going at the Practical Magic 2 premiere on August 26, shimmering from head to toe in a seafoam green sequin gown that was dripping in pearls and gold chains.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The man in black is wracked and choking, mangling the words, eyes dripping.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The absence of privacy in these open rooms was a nonissue for the Romans, who also slept, ate, and bathed in view of one another.
    Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Union Station shared photos on social media of its building bathed in pink with white and yellow accents.
    Joseph Hernandez August 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Dream Box itself is tribute to her original mentor and uncle, Bill Owens, who has worked tirelessly to preserve the American Chestnut tree.
    Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Advertisement The Wagoner band worked constantly, and Parton learned how to hold her own onstage and in the studio.
    Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Some rolled and splashed in the shallows, regulating their body temperature after lying in the Arctic sun, others lay motionless, deep in sleep.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Its blood had drawn crooked and contorted lines on the ground, as if a painter had splashed colorful strokes on a canvas to create a postmodern masterpiece.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But their work is less likely to become clichéd, because any stale fixations will always be rinsed and refreshed by the real.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes detergent residue can build up on towels and trap more moisture, so adding the vinegar to the rinse part of the wash helps remove detergent that wasn’t completely rinsed off.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • An ongoing police investigation in Philadelphia's Olney section has stirred rumors and concerns of a potential serial killer, but some key information is missing before that claim can be correct.
    Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The debate has stirred deep divisions among the public over whether she should be held criminally responsible for the January 2023 killings.
    Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • From unexpected combinations to pops of saturated accessories, this season is all about self-expression and letting color lead the way.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • High-frequency brand campaigns in saturated markets remain notoriously difficult to isolate cleanly on a short cadence.
    Tobin Thomas, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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