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brainwashing 1 of 2

noun

Definition of brainwashingnext
as in lobbying

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brainwashing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brainwash
as in convincing
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 brainwashing
Noun
Hale connects that story to another tale that took place in the same wilderness twenty years earlier—a story of a cult, brainwashing, teenage prophets, and murder. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 Conspiracies and brainwashing In Argentina, there was the troubling disappearance of five-year-old Loan Peña in Corrientes province. — Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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 Maurice is convinced that Tall Pines is brainwashing teens and then sending them to who-knows-where to work as spies. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brainwashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwashing
  1. lobbying
  2. convincing
  3. influencing
  4. inducing
  5. seduction
  6. bringing
  7. selling
  8. satisfying
Noun
  • They specifically can’t be used for political lobbying to influence legislation.
    — Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026
  • That typically comes via an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, so expect to see a lobbying push to outline how the incentive will save or restore jobs.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of lobbying
Verb
  • The navies that embraced carrier aviation did not do it by convincing admirals that airplanes were interesting.
    — Pankaj Prasoon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Since the ouster of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro eight months ago, the administration has made some progress in convincing other US oil companies to return to the region.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of convincing
Noun
  • Suleiman Sami’s business, S Sami Services LLC, provides transportation services, event ticket sales and social media influencing.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • When students graduate, they'll be prepared for roles in content strategy, digital influencing, brand development, social media management and audience engagement across industries.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of influencing
Verb
  • Sousa escaped a bases loaded jam in the sixth inducing an inning-ending double play by Nolan Arenado.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • One look at some of the 89,000 five-star reviews will sell you on its growth-inducing benefits.
    — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inducing
Noun
  • Several symbolic scenes, similarly unfolding in sinuous long takes—a ritualistic repetition of local habits at the junk yard, a formal dance of non-seduction at a luncheonette with a jukebox—lay bare the town’s ingrained and unyielding mores.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Some Venus signs prefer seduction through mystery and minimalism, while others enjoy eccentricity or perhaps even maximalism.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of seduction
Verb
  • Players partnered with brands including Head, Adidas, Nike, Fila, Ellesse and even Coca Cola bringing their names and signatures to everything from rackets and sneakers to wristbands and warm-up gear.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The man was rescued from a hydropower tunnel, according to a social media post by the country’s prime minister’s office, bringing the total to three workers pulled alive from the Trishuli hydropower project.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of bringing
Verb
  • Joe Bob’s may be eligible for a $10,000 bonus under the Texas Lottery’s Retailer Bonus Program for selling the prize-winning ticket, according to the release.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026
  • And yet scores of companies selling this and other unapproved drugs have blown through regulatory safeguards to offer access to customers online — part of a national craze that is changing the way consumers buy drugs.
    — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of selling
Verb
  • Government attorneys wrote that Puig had knowledge of a grand jury proceeding and attempted to obstruct it, satisfying the burden on the first count.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Soups Diced watermelon rinds can add a satisfying crunch to a variety of soups, stews, or chilis.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of satisfying

Browse Nearby Words

brainwashes
brainwashing
brain wave
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Cite this Entry

“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashing. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brainwashing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brainwashing

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