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
To start with a wedding, then wait ’til later to figure out the details of who washes the dishes and whether the toilet seat stays down, sounds backwards but is certainly better than hostage-taking and war without an achievable end. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025 Its Ozmo roller mop washes itself with hot water and dries with heated air. PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 Unlike on Earth, however, where rain washes dust from the air, Martian dust can linger for months. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025 For something more multifunctional, try this Bissell wet-dry vacuum that sucks up debris and washes floors in one fell swoop. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 According to Energy Star, the average American family washes approximately 300 loads of laundry annually. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025 Boiled down in a cauldron using traditional methods, the sulfate-free formula bubbles up into a lovely lather that washes hands without stripping them (the glycerin, as well as coconut, olive, and sweet almond oils, are to thank) and fills the room with its sophisticated, Provençal scents. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 Environmental groups support paying farmers to leave flood-prone land because floodwater that spreads across farm fields washes fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals into rivers, causing a range of down-river harms. Molly Parker, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025 The machine also washes and dries the brush around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
But when the woman takes it home and hand-washes it, strange things happen. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Both jeans are available in Mott & Bow’s Mercer, Gilmore and Hubert fabrics and in a variety of dark to light indigo washes. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 To reduce wear on your bed sheets, consider using hot water every few washes if possible. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025 They’re also monitored for shedding, longevity, and softness after multiple washes. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025 Choose from five different washes, including a wheat color and black. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025 Available in two different washes, regular, petite, and tall lengths, and sizing that runs from XS to 4X, this dress is practically made for everyone. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 Available in three versatile washes and sizes 4 to 18, these stylish bottoms have an elastic drawstring waist and functional pockets to hold your belongings. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 When to Replace Microfiber Cloths With regular proper care, a microfiber cloth can last up to two years or 300 to 500 washes. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washes
Verb
  • Carrie Lazoen bathes her daughter in a special bath chair.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Each composition bathes Cherry and Hero in lush hues that mirror their growing intimacy.
    Leila Latif, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 420,000-pound pole flies a 70-by-140-foot American flag that spans 9,800 square feet and weighs 250 pounds.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The 20-minute ride with Balloons Over Rum flies high above terrain once traversed by Bedouins and used as a backdrop for films like The Martian.
    Essence, Essence, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Reed landed multiple Tsunami splashes on Reigns, who was stretchered out of the arena.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 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
  • But the comedy is absolutely something that wets my beak, I'm drawn to it.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Watering from above also wets the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases or powdery mildew on a mum's leaves.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Go with the classic Sun In Hair Lightener, enriched with aloe, marigold, chamomile, and flaxseed, or the newer Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color, which rinses out after one wash.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Something stirs beneath the surface as this mystifying energy takes hold, inviting us to explore the shadows, confront the truth and rise into transformation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Produced by the Basra Cinema Center, of which Alkadumy is executive director, the film centers on Ahmed, a child with a speech impediment who is continually dismissed during Quranic lessons until defiance stirs within him, setting off a silent confrontation with his authoritative teacher.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Spend some time adventuring on the island’s creeks and marshes via a kayak tour.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Among the greatest dangers faced in coastal marshes is sinking.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • They are being told by their bosses what works based on data and research.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Carrie Preston has returned to reprise her beloved role as Elsbeth Tascioni, the quirky yet brilliant attorney who works alongside the New York Police Department to help solve crimes.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washes. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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