1
2
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the employee's story about missing the bus didn't wash with her manager
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in splashing
to flow in a broken irregular stream
soapy water washing down the drain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in wetting
to make wet
rain washed the countryside for days on end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in rinsing
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
washed the baby's hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in stirring
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly
she absentmindedly washed her tea by tipping her cup, until the honey was at last mixed in
Synonyms & Similar 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 washing
The quiet in New Orleans' famous French Quarter early Thursday morning was first cut by crews sweeping up trash -- then power washing Bourbon Street.
—
Christiane Cordero, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025
To that end, Grant suggests hand-washing them after every two or three wears.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2024
Since denim is prone to color-bleeding, particularly on the first wash, Wang strongly suggests washing a new pair of jeans on their own.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2024
In general, experts also recommend steps such as washing your hands and making sure foods that need to be refrigerated don't sit out too long.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for washing
Christiane Cordero, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025
To that end, Grant suggests hand-washing them after every two or three wears.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2024
Since denim is prone to color-bleeding, particularly on the first wash, Wang strongly suggests washing a new pair of jeans on their own.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2024
In general, experts also recommend steps such as washing your hands and making sure foods that need to be refrigerated don't sit out too long.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
-
Guests enjoy a private beach and tons of natural light within the house, and afternoons are best spent oscillating between swims and sundeck bathing.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Once water has been introduced, provide the dog with treats and praise while bathing them, and remain calm and confident.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
On sunny days, the reflection of that splashing water can be seen from a long distance.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
19 Dec. 2024
-
The man climbed in but slipped on the step, sending the coffee splashing across the seat.—
Greg Borowski,
Journal Sentinel,
18 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Making sure the steaks have been fully thawed and brought to room temperature is the first crucial step for most people, but others have memories of their parents or grandparents rinsing steak in the sink, or perhaps soaking it in water, before the prep work begins.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Massage it into your scalp for a minute and work the formula through your middle and ends when rinsing it out.—
Sarah Hoffmann,
Allure,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered without stirring.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
-
Add the 3 ½ tablespoons butter and, stirring continuously, cook until the caramel reaches 238 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes more.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
There have been many examples of that from our first edition up until today with global producers and DJs working with top headliners from Saudi, Egypt, Lebanon and rest of the Arab world.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Before coming to The Athletic, Weiss spent a decade working for the government, primarily as a compliance bank regulator.—
Jared Weiss,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The younger of the two, Bella, is unscathed; her sister had jumped into a pool to rescue her and ended up drowning herself.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released its official report on Carter's death on April 18, 2023, attributing his cause of death to drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax.—
Johnny Dodd,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
One perk is that the bubbling stream provides the ideal ecosystem where hemlock and rhododendron thrive along the banks.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
29 Dec. 2024
-
There was understandable tension in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich, but something was bubbling from minute one against Porto.—
Art de Roché,
The Athletic,
29 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share