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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Recent Examples of brainwashing
James Unnever, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
If brainwashing doesn’t work, defendants can hardly claim it as a defense.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brainwashing
Verb
If these universities are truly the factories of leftist brainwashing that conservatives claim, shouldn’t these men have emerged as progressive ideologues themselves?
—James Unnever, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
If brainwashing doesn’t work, defendants can hardly claim it as a defense.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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
Verb
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In 1984, the Cubs won both games at Wrigley in convincing fashion.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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Part of Manfred’s agenda in the coming years involves convincing the owners to band together and offer consumers a 30-team package of local television rights.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Merlo set up meetings with Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill, contacted State Department officials, and spoke to reporters at The New York Times, Fox News and other outlets, lobbying records show.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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But lobbying reports filed with the City Clerk’s Office show that the hotel, housing and marina developers were meeting privately with city officials as early as January.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Together with other partner proteins, TOR controls how cells respond to nutrients, stress and environmental signals, thereby influencing major processes such as protein synthesis and immune function.—
Ted Powers,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
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The ripple effects of these delays extend beyond individual cases, influencing public trust and safety.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There is agency at work in this seduction—not his, not mine, but theirs.—
Gary Greenberg,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
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The whole scene is a masterclass in femme seduction, the kind that could have only been directed by a lesbian.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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One of the inducing panic charges was a felony.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Oct. 2025
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Of course, there are also alternative options for those wanting something less nightmare-inducing, such as The Bikeriders, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Fall Guy.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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One of the ways automakers are evolving is by bringing new electric vehicles to the market.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Seven of Sunday’s eight penalties were committed by the offense, including four more pre-snap infractions, bringing the season total to 11.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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That fear hung over Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, on England’s northwestern coast, where members of Parliament (MPs) and party members gathered this week to take stock of a country that is running out of patience for what Labour is selling, and of sympathy for its salesman.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For something more casual, Grigg Street Pizza slings satisfying slices, pies, and sandwiches.—
Sarah Buder,
AFAR Media,
2 Oct. 2025
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The finish is long, oaky, and fruit-laced leaving behind notes of spice, sweetness, and the satisfying heat of a stronger pour.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashing. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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