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water

[waw-ter, wot-er] / ˈwɔ tər, ˈwɒt ər /
NOUN
pure liquid hydrogen and oxygen
Synonyms




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.

See Examples For:

Attendees also gathered for guided bird-watching along the bike path by the water.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 13, 2026

Meta has agreed to pay the costs of energy, water and related infrastructure used by the data center.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 13, 2026

The power and water were still working, too – despite the inferno that took hold around the house.

From BBC Jul. 13, 2026

While earlier studies had examined the movement of water molecules on the moon, this research is the first to model the behavior of an organic molecule such as methane.

From Science Daily Jul. 13, 2026

Her only option is to travel by water.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

The researchers warn that history could repeat itself if modern marine species face increasingly warm, oxygen depleted waters.

From Science Daily Jul. 12, 2026

The team plans to search for molecular fingerprints of this process in both surface and deep waters during a future expedition to the Arctic aboard the German research vessel Polarstern.

From Science Daily Jul. 12, 2026

Ortea, professor emeritus at the University of Oviedo, was awarded a Medal of Merit by the island nation in 2023 for his work in the waters around Cape Verde.

From BBC Jul. 10, 2026

NOx is a smog-forming pollutant that aggravates respiratory illnesses, especially asthma, forms acid rain and contributes to nutrient pollution in coastal waters.

From Barron's Jul. 9, 2026

One of the workers told me the waters around Alexandria are littered with large chunks of ancient temples and Roman ruins that were discarded centuries ago.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

The field would be watered down, the traditionalists protested.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 28, 2026

It comes after their relationship with Netflix was watered down last year.

From BBC Jun. 4, 2026

My eyes watered at the apt metaphor for life and making the most of what you’re given; Jack said something admittedly funny about six minutes he’d never get back.

From The Wall Street Journal May 13, 2026

Grass is being watered and cut to FIFA-regulation height to ensure that players don't get any surprises when they take to the field in Los Angeles and Seattle, the venues for their group-stage games.

From Barron's May 13, 2026

My mouth watered, not just from imagining the taste but also from knowing how much better I’d feel with warm, sweet jam in my mouth.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

The additional effort he puts in—seeding, watering, fertilizing, aerating—is a reflection of his professional work ethic.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 9, 2026

After this, watering the garden gently but plentifully will help to promote soil health and get rid of most of the ash present on plant leaves and stems.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 8, 2026

Households are being asked to use watering cans or buckets for activities such as watering gardens, filling paddling pools or washing cars.

From BBC Jul. 3, 2026

Tips include using water from washing fruit and vegetables for watering plants in the garden and not leaving the tap running while cleaning teeth.

From BBC Jul. 1, 2026

After watering both corn groups, he made his way over to the eating area, where Nali was sitting.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young




Vocabulary lists containing water


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