washes 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of wash
1
as in bathes
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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2
as in flies
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 stirs
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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washes

2 of 2

noun

plural of wash
as in marshes
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 washes
Verb
On the traditional-spa side, a JetPeel facial using Augustinus Bader products essentially pressure-washes my skin with nutrient-rich serums. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 Continue reading … CREATOR'S REMORSE — TV legend Oprah washes her hands of any association with Dr Phil or Dr Oz. FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Griffin diligently washes his hands after his dogs lick them, especially before picking up a slice of pizza. Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Rain often washes those chemicals and fertilizers into nearby rivers and streams. Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 Once the water is turned back on, the bread dissolves and simply washes through the plumbing system. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 Brunello Cucinelli kept fits classic (straight legs, slight cuffs) and washes light. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 July 2026 The vacuum and mop combo is a hands-free robot that auto-empties dirt into a 3-liter bag, self-washes the mop rollers, and auto-refills the water chamber for the next cleaning session. Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026 In the video, backed by champagne synths and hopscotching snares, a tuxedoed Jaeychino strolls the beach in Margiela sneakers, his jacket flapping in the wind as seafoam washes ashore. Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Noun
These jeans have a conservative high-rise fit and come in six different washes. Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Use removable protective layers like flat sheets to extend the time between full washes. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2026 The Best Way to Wash Citrus at Home Despite the popularity of vinegar sprays, baking soda soaks, and commercial produce washes, both experts agree that plain water does the job. Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026 The highly pigmented semi gloss deposits color—13 shades—that lasts up to eight washes, leaving behind lustrous hair. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 While those with thick or coarse hair may be able to wash their hair less often than those with fine hair, Kingsley recommends going no more than four days in between washes. Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 However, towels can sometimes flatten and feel stiff after several washes. Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026 The brand is particularly known for its jeans, offering an impressive variety of fits, rises, lengths, and sizes in quality materials and cute washes. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 Aug. 2026 Experts say rinsing produce under cool running water is enough, and special produce washes or household cleansers aren’t necessary. Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washes
Verb
  • Its southern exposure means sun bathes the area on a clear day while the view from the kitchen sink window takes in the beautiful landscaping at the rear of the home.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Inside, indirect light bathes the alder-wood paneling in warmth and tranquility.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Delta Air Lines flies direct between Atlanta and Johannesburg and is expected to launch service between Atlanta and Cape Town later this year.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Hig flies old Cessna planes into Denver for supplies and makes occasional deliveries to a local Mennonite community led by Aaron (Benedict Wong).
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Across the street, the Llano River splashes its way over limestone formations and into reed thickets.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • Harry Kane splashes his face with ice water during a hydration break for a FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match on July 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
    Laura Schifter, Time, 17 July 2026
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
Verb
  • Plus, its self-cleaning function rinses the brushroll after each use and dumps the debris into the dirt tank.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Moisture is why LaMarita never rinses cauliflower before tucking it into the crisper.
    Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But after two decades in the rearview, Pluto’s demotion still stirs anger and controversy, and many people regard its change in status as a very bad thing.
    Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That’s just one example of how Healy has become the straw that stirs the drink for the Huskies.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Fire is part of the Everglades ecology — wildfire season coincides with the end of spring when stormy-weather lightning strikes ignite marshes still dry from winter.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But in the swamps and marshes, oaks are isolated on the islands.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If the model works, Hund says Rare Ventures will expand to include more diseases and potentially fund more treatments.
    Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Related Stories The film follows Di Marco’s titular character, a disabled young adult who works as a dominant at a fetish house.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Cite this Entry

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

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