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
  • The drug industry lobbying group PhRMA has tapped the former GOP House majority leader as pharma’s top voice in Washington, just as calls for lower drug prices and a change to the status quo reach a fever pitch.
    — STAT, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Last week, the Yes on Prop 45 campaign highlighted a study published by the corporate law and lobbying firm Holland & Knight.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of lobbying
Verb
  • Rolling out these commitments, Amazon seemed bent on convincing Americans that the swelling data center backlash is based on lies.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge was convincing Amazon that a Mexican production could deliver the scale and action audiences expect from the genre.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 30 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
  • There's a tricky tonal balance in treating the lawyers' gasp-inducing ruthlessness as entertaining and even amusing while also allowing its consequences to be clear.
    — Linda Holmes, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The gasp-inducing scale and intricate stonework of Borobudur have attracted numerous global figures over the years.
    — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of inducing
Noun
  • Collections this week were versatile, taking the client from day to evening with a sense of seduction and confidence.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Each scene is about secrets, hypocrisy or some form of seduction.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of seduction
Verb
  • The midterm election has arrived in Florida, bringing with it clashes for governor, Congress and the state Legislature, consequential constitutional amendments and local races and referenda.
    — Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Bryan's shirt immediately ignited a debate online, with social media users split over whether the singer was making a courageous political statement or bringing politics into a concert where fans simply came to hear music.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of bringing
Verb
  • Francesca Breccia’s Coccinelle Film Sales is handling the film and will start selling it to international buyers during Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Although the tapes won’t be part of the planned auction, Littleton is going forward with selling previously unpublished photos of the band, studio material, set lists, a tour parka, instruments the band owned, and other items.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of selling
Verb
  • The documentary condemns The Swan for manufacturing reality, while offering its own more morally satisfying reality.
    — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Adding Protein The healthy fats and fiber in avocado toast are satisfying and can help keep you feeling full.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of satisfying

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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 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brainwashing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brainwashing

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