to walk through water or other liquid that is not very deep, to become involved in a difficult situation or discussion, to spend time dealing with a lot of boring or unpleasant work

wade in, wade through, wade into

Formal and Informal Expressions of wade

In different contexts, you can replace 'wade' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'proceed through water, engage in discussion' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'splash around, jump in' is a commonplace synonym.

wade: Explore its Definition & Usage

wade Definition

1to walk through water or other liquid that is not very deep
2to become involved in a difficult situation or discussion
3to spend time dealing with a lot of boring or unpleasant work

Using wade: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wade" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
We had to wade across the river to get to the other side.
Example
I had to wade through a lot of paperwork before I could start my new job.
Example
The politician had to wade through a barrage of questions from reporters.
Example
She waded into the debate, arguing passionately for her position.
Example
After the storm, we had to wade through the flooded streets to get home.

wade Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wade

Antonyms for wade

float
swim

Phrases with wade

wade in
to become involved in a situation or discussion without thinking about it carefully first
Example
He just waded in and started criticizing everyone without knowing all the facts.
wade through
to spend time dealing with a lot of boring or unpleasant work
Example
I had to wade through hundreds of emails before I found the one I was looking for.
wade into
to become involved in a situation or discussion in a forceful or aggressive way
Example
The boss waded into the meeting, demanding to know why the project was behind schedule.

Origins of wade

from Old English 'wadan', meaning 'to go, proceed'

📌

Summary: wade in Brief

To 'wade' [weɪd] means to walk through shallow water or to engage in a difficult situation or discussion. It can also mean to spend time dealing with a lot of boring or unpleasant work. Examples include 'We had to wade across the river' and 'I had to wade through a lot of paperwork.' Phrases include 'wade in,' meaning to become involved without thinking, and 'wade through,' meaning to deal with unpleasant work.