swab 1 of 2

noun

ˈswäb How to pronounce swab (audio)
Definition of swabnext
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

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swab

2 of 2

verb

as in to wipe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Before and after periods of play, the children’s skin and gut microbiota were measured using genetic sequencing of bacteria taken from skin swabs and stool samples, along with changes to T cells and cytokines in their blood. — Kathy Willis, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024 Once on Earth, the swabs were separated, with one side going for DNA sequencing and the other side being used for mass spectrometry analysis to identify chemicals. — Ars Technica, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
In cases where the entire fish was taken, the monofilament fishing line was swabbed for DNA, the report says. — Mark Price, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025 At the start of the study, each participant swabbed their genitals to provide a baseline sample of their ‘down there’ microbiome. — Paul McClure 12, New Atlas, 12 Feb. 2025 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
  • But why is this all-American team of highly accomplished sailors, generously funded with Tommy Hilfiger on board, struggling?
    — Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The rebels have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors.
    — Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of sailor
Verb
  • Give it a good scrub, then use a cloth or mop to wipe it down with clean, warm water.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
  • There was the first video review of a goal, wiping another SDFC score off the board.
    — Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of wipe
Noun
  • All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Next Authorities continue monitoring conditions, and mariners should check updates from the NWS before heading out.
    — Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of mariner
Verb
  • His team has scrubbed the existence of trans people from government websites, threatened access to gender-affirming care, banned transgender people from joining the military, and more.
    — Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
  • With a fresh warm, damp cloth, gently scrub the stain until it is lifted.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of scrub
Noun
  • Flash back: The first Trump administration also cut navigator funding to $10 million per year.
    — Maya Goldman, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • By this logic, the writer becomes a navigator exploring truth through lies, the real through the imaginary and vice versa, to reach the truth through lies, and this truth, if attained, must again be subjected to the test of lies or the imaginary to authenticate its truth or reality.
    — Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of navigator
Verb
  • The Sacramento native recently appeared in the indie drama The Last Showgirl (2024), alongside Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis and brushed off her sitcom chops in Netflix’s basketball comedy Running Point (2025–present), starring Kate Hudson.
    — Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Southwest brushed off Frontier’s latest promotion and highlighted its larger network.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of brush
Verb
  • Using a dry cloth and a dab of toothpaste, polish your silver to perfection and rinse.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Take a dip in the dark-bottomed infinity-edge pool, or play a game of doubles on the lighted tennis court and then rinse off in the outdoor shower.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • Once the area has been cleared, mop with disinfectant or bleach.
    — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Literally before Reacher has even mopped the blood off his face?
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of mop

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Cite this Entry

“Swab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swab. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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