swash 1 of 2

Definition of swashnext
1
as in to splash
to move with a splashing motion waves gently swashing against the shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to slosh
to cause (something liquid or mushy) to move along in sheets every bump in the road swashed a little more of my soda on the car's upholstery

Synonyms & Similar Words

swash

2 of 2

noun

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 swash
Verb
Recurring character Goro Majima swashes his buckles as the sole protagonist, taking to the seas having suffered from an almighty case of pirate amnesia. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
Mole crabs burrow themselves in the intertidal swash zone but leave their antennae exposed above the surface to trap food like algae and plankton. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 This cushiony highlighter deposits a swash of subtle champagne, rose quartz, or gold while the squalane (the secret star of the show) provides moisture for a long-lasting look that provides a skin-like, never cakey, finish. Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 5 Oct. 2024 The dessert menu is just as backward-looking (or, more generously, classic-minded) as the savory offerings: cheesecake with a swash of berry sauce, dark chocolate pot de crème. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024 Glow Set a travel necessity—perfect for quick makeup touch-ups, passing through TSA, or a shimmering swash of color. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2021 Hollywood’s history is rich with swash-buckling scenes. Allison Prang, WSJ, 22 Oct. 2021 Some big trout are still in the swash on the beach at dawn, though this action will slow as the water continues to warm—topwaters get them. Frank Sargeant, al, 18 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swash
Verb
  • De-escalate the Crisis Narrative The word crisis is splashed across every headline regarding mental health, but Redding warns that overusing this term can actually hinder our ability to help.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • As has been the case in prior tests, the upper stage should splash down in the Indian Ocean if all goes to plan.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • When a team drafted some linebacker from Appalachian State in the fifth round, Kiper could offer a torrent of assessment.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The president eventually took down the post after facing a torrent of criticism from people across the political sphere.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Wirtz, at his best, plays with a similar swagger to Cole Palmer, an elite player who has lost some of his sparkle over the last 18 months.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Both arrived in Tampa Bay as first-round picks charged with bringing violence, swagger and disruption to the defensive line.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The prices that businesses are paying for goods have risen sharply, according to data released Wednesday, the latest data point showing that knock-on effects from the Iran war are rapidly rippling across the economy.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 May 2026
  • Instability in several of the world’s most important energy suppliers illustrates how quickly geopolitical crises can ripple through global markets.
    Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The archways are furnished with sluice gates that can open to allow excess water to pass through in periods of flooding.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • Some residents said the country club contribues to flooding by opening its sluice gate when rain is forecast.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Wit and sass are sexy as Mercury and Jupiter harmonize.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • Verbs can deliver the sass of a runway model and a good degree of brushoff.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the decrepit hydro plant, the entire dam's spillway is too small to pass a probable maximum flood and upgrades could cost millions.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The spillway structure consists of a newer 25-foot wide concrete spillway with two 11-foot wide underflow radial gates, added in 1974, and the original 26-foot wide with three 6-foot wide underflow sliding gates.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The closest the data center would be to Weston Gardens is 370 feet, said Riley, due to a wooded floodway and floodplain between the Black Mountain property and Weston’s.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Call it resilience, call it infrastructure, call it economic development—just build it before the next 8-year-old goes to sleep in a floodway.
    Daniel Lehewych, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swash. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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