lave

as in to wash
to flow along or against the cold water from the stream gently laved her burned fingers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 lave Such ties lave little resemblance to alliances such as NATO, where participation is voluntary and leaders are democratically elected. Loren Thompson, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 The running game had been ineffective through long stretches of the night, laving Cal with a rather lifeless attack. Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 27 Sep. 2019 To Eastward San Diego’s heights Stretch downward to the bay Which coyly laves her with the waves Wherein the dolphins play. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lave
Verb
  • Reynolds’ colleagues found 97% of people had never washed them, and many were contaminated by bacteria, including E. coli, from foods like raw meats and produce.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • One of the incidents involved a mother and son whose vehicle was washed into a creek and later wedged against a drainage pipe, police told CNN affiliate KOCO.
    Matthew Rehbein, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the photo, the boy’s face seems to be divided in two by a shadow running across it, such that one eye is bathed in light and the other in darkness.
    Yinka Elujoba, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The walls and carpeted floor are bathed in the signature royal blue of the brand, and a bright hot pink rug gives an electric pop of color.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Schauffele’s putt from 6 feet, 5 inches lipped out.
    Hugh Kellenberger, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Schauffele's tying putt lipped out of the cup, giving Atlanta the first in a best-of-three series.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The scientists proceeded to build a number of prototype urinals based on these findings, which also incorporated features such as a more closed design that better captured any urine that did splash.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And based on the relaxed grins splashed on our faces afterwards: mission accomplished.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lave. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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