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
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
These young girls have been brainwashed by a political movement that exists to disenfranchise them.
—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Bistline further claimed that Bateman brainwashed her and initially convinced her to lie to authorities during her first interview with authorities in 2023.
—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
What, are you being brainwashed by communists?
—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
7 Apr. 2026
Artificial men become soldiers and servants (a dead detective rebuilt as RoboCop; Bucky Barnes brainwashed to become the Winter Soldier; Anakin Skywalker resurrected as Darth Vader).
—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
Why not live in Hank’s sick decision to brainwash his daughter into loving him?
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
4 Feb. 2026
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
These young girls have been brainwashed by a political movement that exists to disenfranchise them.
—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Bistline further claimed that Bateman brainwashed her and initially convinced her to lie to authorities during her first interview with authorities in 2023.
—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
What, are you being brainwashed by communists?
—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
7 Apr. 2026
Artificial men become soldiers and servants (a dead detective rebuilt as RoboCop; Bucky Barnes brainwashed to become the Winter Soldier; Anakin Skywalker resurrected as Darth Vader).
—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
Why not live in Hank’s sick decision to brainwash his daughter into loving him?
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwash
Verb
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The mayor, having failed to convince Albany to raise other taxes that matter emotionally to his base, had to make a meager win seem meaningful.
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Just a few months ago, when more than 60 Labour MPs signed an open letter calling for a social media ban for under-16s, Keir Starmer wasn’t convinced.
Verb
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But by that point, the banks were so overwhelmed that they could, at least in theory, be persuaded to settle for far less than they were owed.
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Contributors know Percy’s films often become the defining accounts of major events, which helps persuade them to take part.
Verb
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The 2025 memoir garnered high praise from bestseller-inducing trifecta Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Jenna Bush Hager.
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From $1,100 Consider this a calming antidote to Queenstown’s adrenaline-inducing thrills.
Verb
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The La Roja boss didn’t react quickly enough to the situation, instead opting for more of the same after the halftime break – rightly or wrongly relying on his mainstay players who largely brought him to this point – and didn’t change anyone until the 71st minute.
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Miniso aims to bring the element of surprise to each visit, according to its website, combining new arrivals with seasonal good and exclusive collaborations.
Verb
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Between 2015 and 2025, the UK attracted 949 FDI projects, more than France and Germany combined, according to EY, a professional services firm.
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America's national parks attract millions of visitors, but exploring them isn't risk-free.
Verb
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Obviously, Donnie being over there was enticing to me.
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For American diners of diverse backgrounds, chop suey struck an enticing balance between novelty and decipherability, which propelled it to national popularity even as the US government moved to exclude Chinese laborers from entering the country in 1882.
Verb
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Cardiovascular fitness directly influences a leader’s cerebral blood flow and, downstream, their leadership.
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How have your previous live shows influenced the direction of this tour?
Verb
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Prime Day 2026 just kicked off, running from June 23-26 with markdowns across fashion, beauty, home, and electronics from all the best-selling brands.
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That attempt successfully nullified a rule that would have required all vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission by 2035.
Cite this Entry
“Brainwash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwash. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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