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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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 brainwash 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 The siblings had been brainwashed, abused and groomed while growing up in a cult led by Bernie Hoffman, an apocalyptic preacher and false prophet known to the world as Tony Alamo. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwash

Verb

On the right side, Brennan Johnson’s best Iliman Ndiaye impression failed to convince.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
There are likely many of you reading this who will never ever be convinced and see AI as anathema to creativity.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of convince

Verb

Certain shapes induce certain outcomes depending on the handedness of the pitcher and the hitter.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Mulligan should win for her darkly funny, cringe-inducing turn, though Snook, Pidgeon and sentimental favorite Field are all in play too.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of induce

Verb

The Toronto International Film Festival is in full swing as Hollywood brings its awards-ready finest as well as populist fare to the Great White North.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2026
Mercury opposes imaginative Neptune, bringing plenty of creative energy but less agreement about the details.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026

Definition of bring

Verb

But to drive its manufacturing program, promote local chip and AI champions and attract data center demand, India needs an ample and reliable power supply.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
His warning quickly attracted attention from members of Congress, who called for regulatory checks on AI.

— Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of attract

Verb

The country is one of Europe’s quickest growing AI markets, and major AI and big tech corporations such as Microsoft and TikTok have already pledged billions in investments into Finland, enticed by its growing role in Europe’s AI economy.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Rashford enticed the Ukrainian, then drove past him on the outside, further beating Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the area, forcing James Tarkowski to slide in to concede a corner.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The platform decides which content receives additional exposure, and that exposure can influence who discovers a creator and whether the creator’s audience grows.

— Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
For the first time anyone could remember, an American administration had used tariffs not for economic reasons but as a tool to influence the internal politics of a friendly democracy.

— Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

In 2015, a Tourbillon Souverain Blue in tantalum sold for 550,000 Swiss francs (about $547,000), four times the price of the platinum version.

— Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026
Self-interrogation, of course, is often unpleasant and is not a prescription that is likely to sell many books.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of sell

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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of brainwash

verb

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