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 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 What, are you being brainwashed by communists? — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwash

Verb

But taken together, this was quite the week of pandering candidate theatrics and not exactly the precursor to what should be a serious campaign to convince voters of the best candidate to run a city that needs a turnaround agent.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Ellen Evans and Gina Alves told Dateline the family was convinced of Lewis’ involvement.

— Annalise Peterson, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

Verb

Reacher and Green run into a hotel and persuade the staff to lock the doors, claiming there’s an active shooter outside.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
In March, one of DraftKings’ cofounders, Matthew Kalish, stepped down as president—but not before persuading the board to approve a series of potentially lucrative deals to benefit his new marketing company.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Marshall had been charged with defrauding his mother’s estate of millions by inducing her to change her will in his favor after her mental capacity had faded.

— Robert D. Mcfadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
The frame of this printer is rigid and stout to minimize error-inducing vibration during printing; HeyGears says layer positioning errors are no more than 2 microns.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of induce

Verb

The service The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Drew Gilbert brought the Giants within two runs by lining a two-run shot over the short right-field fence, then Devers followed up on the next pitch with a solo homer to center.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of bring

Verb

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The Yellow Affair has also sold Árru to international territories including Angel Distribution (Denmark), Bíó Paradís (Iceland), Filmwelt (Germany, Austria), Fivia (Ex-Yugoslavia), Otaku Mtü (Baltics), Palace (Australia / New Zealand).

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Tatcha’s top three stock keeping units today include its $74 Dewy Skin Cream, one jar of which is sold every 30 seconds, as well as the lightweight Water Cream and Rice Wash face wash, priced at $74 and $40, respectively.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of brainwash

verb

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