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water

[waw-ter, wot-er] / ˈwɔ tər, ˈwɒt ər /
NOUN
pure liquid hydrogen and oxygen
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drink rain
STRONG
H2O aqua rainwater saliva tears
WEAK
Adam's ale aqua pura
VERB
dampen; put water in
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bathe dilute flood inundate irrigate moisten soak spray sprinkle thin wash wet
STRONG
baptize damp doctor douse drench drool hose imbue saturate souse spatter steep weaken
WEAK
sodden
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dehydrate thicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for water?
Few things are as common as water, but it doesn’t have many direct synonyms. However, there are several terms that can be used instead of water in certain situations. Because water molecules consist of a combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, it’s chemical symbol is H2O, and it’s sometimes referred to this way. Although this sounds more technical, it’s usually used to be humorous, as in I could go for some cold H2O right now. Sometimes, people refer to water informally with its equivalent word in Spanish, agua. An old-fashioned slang term for water is Adam’s ale (a joke on the notion that water was the only thing that the Biblical Adam had to drink). The Latin phrase aqua pura means and is sometimes used to refer to pure water. Water is sometimes informally referred to as wet stuff. This can refer to water as a drink or to rainwater. Water that comes out of the faucet (the tap) is called tap water. Water is often distinguished between freshwater and salt water. Other specific types of water include seawater (and ocean water), ground water, bathwater, and wastewater. The verb water, as in water the plants, doesn’t have many direct synonyms, but you could use different words depending on how much water is needed, like sprinkle or dampen for a little or soak or saturate for a lot. On a larger scale, such as in the context of farming, you could use the word irrigate. To water down something is to add water to it to dilute or thin it. This term is also commonly used in a figurative way, and dilute is also a good synonym for this sense.
What is a synonym for body of water?
Body of water is a general term for things like oceans, seas, and lakes. It’s not usually used for smaller things like ponds. The term the water can often be used to refer to a body of water in a general way, as in I just love being on the water or We’d have to fly over the water to get there.  Informally, such a body of water might be called the drink—especially when someone or something falls in.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Oil rose back above $100 a barrel and Asian equities fell, as the collapse of the U.S.-Iran peace talks poured cold water on hopes of an end to the fighting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

They formed a line around the building to be doused with holy water by the parish priest.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

He pointed out that as salmon have suffered declines, California’s agriculture industry has been planting more nut orchards, replacing other field crops that are easier to leave fallow when water is scarce.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Standing awkwardly on the outside of someone else’s water cooler.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

The snake was launched into the air and splashed, unconscious, into the murky water.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing water

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - Introductory

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Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - Middle School

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Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - High School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!