SWAB Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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

In addition to the interview, Potter also got a swab from Wilson for DNA. — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 Meanwhile, in swabs from the mummy’s skin, Sarhan and his colleagues found bacteria like Methylobaderium and Sphingomonas, both known for being resilient in tough environments and for forming biofilms. — ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026

Verb

Since launching Team Aaron, nearly 2,000 people registered, ordering a free kit to swab their cheeks. — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026 Similar to his trip to the Arctic, he was set to swab and syringe anything that looked promising, secure the findings in test tubes and collect as much information as possible — salinity, pressure, temperature — about where samples were found. — Kelsey Brown, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swab

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swab

Noun

The black-and-white snapshots of sailors hoisting lines on deck look similar to the modern scenes still playing out today.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
There may not be quite as many small-time sailors in the harbor this time, owing to the rigidity that has become inevitable since the 9/11 attacks, but plenty of weekend captains will make their way here.

— Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026

Definition of sailor

Verb

Separate the jade plant from other plants so the pests won’t spread, then wipe the leaves with neem oil.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
Suppose a relatively small near-Earth object is speeding toward our planet, threatening to wipe the city of Dallas (whose population is over a million) off the map.

— Govert Schilling, Scientific American, 27 June 2026

Definition of wipe

Noun

To protect these specialized mariners, pilot boats evolved into highly stable, heavy-duty vessels.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026
Shortly after the vessel was struck, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization paused an effort to evacuate hundreds of ships and thousands of mariners who were stranded in the Persian Gulf.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Definition of mariner

Verb

To clean your garbage disposal, Lane suggests starting by cleaning the rubber flaps by using dish soap and a brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the rubber flaps that line the disposal.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
Was scrubbed from Friday because of bad weather in the launch recovery zone in the Atlantic.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

Definition of scrub

Noun

Troutman said nonurgent calls redirected to the nurse navigators will result in cost savings for Arlington.

— Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Employers should consider assigning a dedicated benefits navigator, someone who won't give legal or financial advice but will help the employee find relevant benefits, understand deadlines and know which professionals to call.

— Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of navigator

Verb

Some physicians recommend washing your mouth out after use by gargling and rinsing your mouth with water.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Swirl the berries for about a minute, then rinse them for 30 seconds under cold water to remove the vinegar, and dry as directed above.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

Definition of rinse

Verb

Add ½ cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water, and use the solution to mop floors where pet accidents occurred, areas near food and water bowls, and high-traffic areas where pets track in mud or dirt.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Our expert, in his review, gave the robot the Editors’ Choice award and called it the best robot vacuum and mop for under $300 (and today’s just under $200).

— Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026

Definition of mop

Browse Nearby Words

svelteness

swab

swabbed

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Style

“Swab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swab. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of swab

noun

verb

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