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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Recent Examples of brainwash
There, Evelyn uses psychedelic drugs and psychological manipulation to brainwash them into joining the local community, which is, in fact, just a commune of Evelyn’s cultists.
—
Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Maybe Maurice wasn’t too far off on his hunch that the teens were being brainwashed into spy material.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
But Emma’s frustrated by how brainwashed Sam is.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
California high school senior Hadeel Hazameh believes she was brainwashed.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
They’re being brainwashed in school.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Harry and William had a 72-hour argument via text in which William accused Harry of being brainwashed by therapy and Harry appealed unsuccessfully for William to join him for a session.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The movie, a satire of the fashion industry, follows his male model character Derek Zoolander as the villainous mogul Jacobim Mugatu (Will Ferrell) attempts to brainwash Derek into assassinating the prime minister of Malaysia.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
How could someone as young as Sisson already be brainwashed by big-money interests?
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Maybe Maurice wasn’t too far off on his hunch that the teens were being brainwashed into spy material.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
But Emma’s frustrated by how brainwashed Sam is.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
California high school senior Hadeel Hazameh believes she was brainwashed.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
They’re being brainwashed in school.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Harry and William had a 72-hour argument via text in which William accused Harry of being brainwashed by therapy and Harry appealed unsuccessfully for William to join him for a session.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The movie, a satire of the fashion industry, follows his male model character Derek Zoolander as the villainous mogul Jacobim Mugatu (Will Ferrell) attempts to brainwash Derek into assassinating the prime minister of Malaysia.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
How could someone as young as Sisson already be brainwashed by big-money interests?
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwash
Verb
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Commuters’ complaints have often convinced government officials to act.—
Menika Dirkson,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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Unfortunately, cattle industry experts are not convinced that the downturn in futures prices will last.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead, Pittsburgh’s defense rested on the idea that the taxes equal out when considering the school-district tax—a point, as explained above, that failed to persuade the judges who have presided over this litigation.—
Robert Raiola,
Sportico.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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Following two successful seasons at Ole Miss, Lane weighed the possibility of taking another head coaching job, but Landry persuaded him to stay.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In particular, TikTokers have posted about the effects of magnesium lotion, oils and sprays to induce sleepiness when used on the bottoms of the feet.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
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But right-hander Spencer Bivens recorded a strikeout and induced a foul pop with the bases loaded, and third baseman Matt Chapman fell into the netting while catching it to preserve a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The lightweight and compact kit is easy to bring along while traveling or tuck away in a closet at home.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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This work, like the word ‘amalgam’ in the title, just brings it all together.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Stierli is particularly concerned with the situation at Great Falls, where trails and picturesque cliffsides along the Potomac River attract many visitors, especially with this weekend’s pleasant weather.—
Brian Todd,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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Polanski has attracted a number of Labour activists from the Corbyn era, such as the best-selling Marxist author Grace Blakeley and the former Corbyn spokesperson Matt Zarb-Cousin.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The possibilities are enticing because of how both Mara and Johnson grade out defensively.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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The 6-foot-4, 260-pound outside linebacker has a draft pedigree that could entice other squads.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Soil acidity can influence which colorful plant species will thrive in a garden.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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The lawsuit alleges that LLFO’s decision to purchase the Wave last year for what was then a record price in the National Women’s Soccer League was largely influenced by Ellis’ role at the club.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Today, Elanco stands as one of the leading animal health providers in the world, with more than 9,000 employees globally and more than 200 brands sold for pets and farm animals.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
2 Oct. 2025
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The ahi tuna wasabi poke was sold in more than 30 states, including Ohio.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brainwash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwash. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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