Synonyms for

Dry

Verb / draɪ / Another word for dry — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not wet; lacking moisture

Synonyms & similar words

ironical phlegmy dryout ironic prohibitionist wet teetotal wry sweet juiceless arid parched thirsty barren droughty desert scorched serried sterile waterless withered drained exhausted unwatered hard dehydrated shrivelled lean sapless jejune

Synonyms by register

Formal

arid parched desiccated dehydrated

Informal

bone-dry thirsty wiped out

Literary

withered barren

Antonyms

wet moist damp humid soggy waterlogged

Common collocations

  • dry spell
  • dry wit
  • dry cleaning
  • dry run
  • dry humor
  • dry eyes
  • dry goods
  • dry land

Word family

noun dryness
verb dry
adjective dry
adverb dryly

Usage note

As an adjective, 'dry' can refer to a lack of moisture, a lack of emotion or humor, or a lack of alcohol. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. The desert is very dry and hot.
  2. My throat is dry because I didn't drink enough water.
  3. The towel is used to dry off after a shower.
  4. The paint needs to dry before we can touch it.
  5. The river is dry because there has been no rain.

Quotes

  • 'I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.' - Henry Miller
  • 'When I am dead, I hope it may be said: His sins were scarlet but his books were read.' - Hilaire Belloc
  • 'We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.' - Winston Churchill

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