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
  • Murray splashed a game-tying 51-footer at the buzzer, his league-leading fourth bucket of the season from behind halfcourt.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Metallic pants with zipper systems, white jeans splashed with primary color paints and baggy jeans with a clay finish were among the other denim highlights.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The complaint stated that officers unleashed a torrent of pepper spray, tear gas grenades, rubber bullets and baton strikes, despite the women posing no threat and complying with officers’ orders.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Spring rains and winter snowmelt have swelled rivers and lakes, forcing torrents of water through Cheboygan County communities on its way to Lake Huron.
    Sarah Brumfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • LeBron and Savannah James' son Bronny headed off to prom 2023 with tons of swagger.
    Lindy Segal, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
  • His swagger and confidence – in the locker room and on the floor – permeate down the lineup.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • OpenAI investments in — and from — other major tech companies have left it deeply intertwined in the AI boom, and some investors fear any weakness could ripple through parts of the AI ecosystem.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
  • If space starts to operate more like aviation, the pace of discovery could change in ways that ripple far beyond the aerospace industry.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Upgrades to storm water pumping stations Cost: $3 million The details: Equipment repair and replacement at six stormwater pumping stations, including new sluice gates, gate valves and actuators.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ginger and strawberry blonde strokes add warmth and sass.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Then, give back the same sass McKenna gave her.
    Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Mar. 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 2 May. 2026.

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