swab 1 of 2

noun

ˈswäb 
Definition of swab
as in sailor
one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel old swabs swapping sea stories as they spend their last days in the veterans' home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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swab

2 of 2

verb

as in to wipe

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 swab
Noun
Joining the registry can start with a cheek swab, with a kit mailed directly to someone’s home. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 As the ink transfers, discard the swab to prevent spreading the ink. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
Following the interview, the Connecticut State Police arrived to swab his hands for gunshot residue. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026 In the absence of active lesions to swab for HSV itself, tests must evaluate the immune response to the virus in a patient’s blood, typically by screening for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. — Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for swab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swab
  1. sailor
  2. wipe
  3. mariner
  4. scrub
  5. navigator
  6. brush
  7. rinse
  8. mop
Noun
  • Whether supporting the Trident missile or other systems throughout the fleet, NSWC Corona’s work equips sailors with the confidence to trust their systems — empowering them to deliver peace through strength when the nation depends on them most.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Some of the most striking parts of your reporting are the moments these sailors missed back at home, including graduations and weddings.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sailor
Verb
  • An unmanaged shutdown of the Secuda coal-to-liquids plant operated by South African energy company Sasol could wipe $550 million off the country’s $400 billion economy and cost nearly 25,000 jobs, researchers said.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • To prevent moisture from seeping into the TV and causing damage, wipe the TV down one final time with a dry microfiber cloth.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of wipe
Noun
  • Spanish authorities have issued recommendations for mariners intended to reduce risks to both the animals and people aboard vessels.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The terrain is varied, both spiritual and physical, and seems to cover land and sea, thanks to Current 93’s mariner-like contributions.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of mariner
Verb
  • Chang’e 7 was supposed to launch onboard a Long March 5 rocket on August 24, but the launch was scrubbed on Sunday evening, China’s Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said in a statement.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The subpoenas provide further evidence that the GTA 6 leaks are real, and that Take-Two is trying to crack down, forcing online platforms to scrub the information.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrub
Noun
  • Allison Espeseth is Director of Covering Wisconsin, which is Wisconsin’s navigator program and a part of University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
    — Rebecca Myerson, STAT, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Supporters of the theory believe that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan became stranded on the remote island after failing to reach Howland Island — possibly dying as castaways.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of navigator
Verb
  • Paramount has tried various ploys to put political pressure on Bonta — op-eds, letters from allies, threats to leave California, politicians’ statements — which Bonta has largely brushed off.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Linens & Hutch deep pocket sheets are durable, wrinkle-resistant and double-brushed for an ultra-soft, cozy feel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • Lightly sand the handles of a pair of wood or bamboo salad servers, then rinse and dry them.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Although invisible, the bacteria from your cleaning rag (for instance) can easily transfer to other surfaces, even after rinsing.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • The women went to the bathroom to mop the bottoms of their eyes, where their makeup was smeared from crying.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • Its roller has 24 water ports that spin at 270 rpm, or nine times per second, to mop your floors up.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
Definition of mop

Browse Nearby Words

svelteness
swab
swabbed
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Cite this Entry

“Swab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swab. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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