soap
10 synonyms for soap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A substance used with water to clean the skin or other surfaces.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A substance used with water to clean the skin or other surfaces.
“I bought a bar of lavender soap from the market.”
2. verb
To rub soap onto something, usually to wash it.
“She soaped the dog's back while he stood patiently in the tub.”
How to use soap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bar of soap
soap and water
watch a soap
Etymology
Probably an abbreviation of sodium pentothal.
Full origin of soap →Frequently asked questions
What does “soap” mean?
The word “soap” means a substance used with water to clean the skin or other surfaces. In plain terms, the cleaning product used with water, or slang for a melodramatic TV series.
How do you pronounce “soap”?
“Soap” is pronounced sohp (/soʊp/ in IPA).
How do you use “soap” in a sentence?
Here is “soap” used in a sentence: “Wash your hands with soap for at least twenty seconds.”
What part of speech is “soap”?
Depending on how it is used, “soap” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “soap” a common word?
“Soap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “soap” have?
“Soap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance used with water to clean the skin or other surfaces.
What is the difference between "soap" and "detergent"?
"Soap" is a cleaning substance traditionally used with water to wash skin and surfaces. "Detergent" is a broader term for synthetic cleaning agents, often used for laundry and dishes, so all soaps clean, but many modern cleaners are detergents rather than true soap.
What is the difference between "soap" and "body wash"?
"Soap" often refers to a solid bar used with water to clean the skin, while "body wash" is a liquid cleanser applied with a cloth or the hands. Both clean the skin, but "soap" also names the cleaning substance in general, not only the bar form.
