Definitions

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.

Water voles were once common in England's rivers and streams, including at Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

They invoked a provision of the Clean Water Act that authorizes states to require additional permits on a case-by-case basis.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Water is less volatile than methane or carbon dioxide, which means its gas production shuts down more quickly as the comet cools.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

It’s no surprise to me that Laura Esquivel’s “Like Water for Chocolate” is one of my favorite books — magic happened in that kitchen.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Water trickled into the dugouts when it rained.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

water

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing water

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - Introductory

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - Middle School

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - High School

water

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing water

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - Introductory

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - Middle School

Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms - High School