awash

adjective

ə-ˈwȯsh How to pronounce awash (audio)
-ˈwäsh
Synonyms of awash
1
a
: alternately covered and exposed by waves or tide
b
: washing about : afloat
c
: covered with water : flooded
2
: filled, covered, or completely overrun as if by a flood
a movie awash in sentimentality

Synonyms of awash

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Examples of awash in a Sentence

The deck of the boat was almost awash. the streets were awash from the heavy rains
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Victorian era was awash in handwringing about the loss of male vigor (some of which was blamed on the unnatural intellectual pursuits of women). — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026 The adjoining stone-and-wood bathroom is awash in natural light. — Mark David, Robb Report, 4 July 2026 One hundred years later, the country was awash with federal, state, city and philanthropic funding for a music-happy bicentennial of exceptional ambition. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Stars & Stripes Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea is a big part of America’s history, and that is honored at The Peninsula New York, who has introduced a Stars & Stripes Afternoon Tea, that is awash wit red, white, and blue and running through July 18. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for awash

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of awash was in 1801

Phrases Containing awash

Rhymes for awash

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Browse Nearby Words

awas
awash
Awash
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Cite this Entry

“Awash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awash. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

awash

adjective
ə-ˈwȯsh How to pronounce awash (audio)
-ˈwäsh
1
: washed by waves or tide
2
: floating about
3
a
: flooded or covered with water
b
: filled or covered as if by a flood
an event awash in emotion

Geographical Definition

Awash

geographical name

ˈä-ˌwäsh How to pronounce Awash (audio)
river 500 miles (805 kilometers) long in eastern Ethiopia flowing northeast

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