BRAINWASH Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

brainwash

verb

Definition of brainwash

as in to convince

to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners. Does advertising brainwash children?

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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 brainwash Jake was being, if not brainwashed, certainly influenced by a male figure with some misogyny here. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026 Some of them are derelict minors who have been captured by the settler organizations, taken to outposts in the Palestinian territories, brainwashed, and taught to kill. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026 But the college plot soon recommences, and the Duffys eventually speak with a Harvard chaplain who, to some extent, is able to allay their anxieties about brainwashing. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 How many people were brainwashed into showing up for a riot and then imprisoned for their actions over an idea that was never really theirs? — Will Cady, SPIN, 30 July 2026 Ferrell instead starred as the villainous mogul Jacobim Mugatu, who attempts to brainwash Derek into assassinating the prime minister of Malaysia. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 But after discovering that Cady and Nevaeh had been using a drug on Zack to brainwash him, Anna opts to fight fire with fire by planting drugs in Cady’s house and placing an anonymous call to CrimeStoppers. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026 People who vote for MAGA Republicans are mentally challenged and brainwashed. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 Society has brainwashed us for decades into bottling our emotions, saying less, not rocking the boat, and just carrying so much on our shoulders. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwash

Verb

No economic pressure will convince people here to make a deal.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
The new president will need to convince investors that Brazil can stabilize its debt trajectory, said Alejo Czerwonko, a fellow at the Atlantic Council.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of convince

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Mattresses and linens are unsurprisingly comfortable—the Langham’s bedding has, after all, become synonymous with inducing deep slumbers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Gaps where electrons can sit, called holes, can also induce superconductivity at not-so-cold temperatures, just in a slightly different way.

— Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of induce

Verb

Tariffs cannot build a better car The problem is, protection alone cannot make an American factory more productive, lower the cost of a battery, or bring a better vehicle to market.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
As the first Laika movie explicitly set in Portland, the studio looked for inspiration in their own backyards for how to bring the universe of Colin Meloy's titular novel to life.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of bring

Verb

Emirates, which has nearly returned to its prewar capacity, is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in Dubai.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The 17-year-old said there is a lot of peer pressure to vape, and the product flavors and designs are enticing for teens.

— Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

As voters decide which party can best rescue their chance at the American Dream, political experts say prolonged economic hardship is the defining feature influencing voters in the midterms.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Over the last two years Chuwi has traveled around the globe, and the foursome confirm that will influence their next project.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Browse Nearby Words

brainteasers

brainwash

brainwashed

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“Brainwash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwash. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of brainwash

verb

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