unwashed 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-ˈwȯsht How to pronounce unwashed (audio)
Definition of unwashednext
as in low
belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank a TV producer who knew what the unwashed masses wanted—and unhesitatingly gave it to them

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

as in masses
people looked down upon as ignorant and of the lowest class Aunt Edna was fond of snootily reminding us that we need not take our manners from the great unwashed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unwashed
Adjective
Optimize potato shelf life by removing the sprouts and storing them at 50°F—unwashed and not in direct light. — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Place unwashed strawberries in an open container lined with paper towels to absorb excess humidity for optimal storage. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026 They’re filmed in unfinished basements or drafty garages; mothers wear bulky winter coats over pajamas, their hair sometimes appearing unwashed, their desperation for a moment alone palpable. — Sarah Levy, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 The two were often seen with what appeared to be unwashed, exposed roots that fluttered into beach waves down their backs. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwashed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwashed
  1. low
  2. rabble
  3. lumpen
  4. populace
  5. humble
  6. public
  7. plebeian
  8. proletariat
Adjective
  • Wall Street looked past geopolitics even as oil prices climbed on the back of lower-than-expected inflation figures that sent tech stocks higher.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • The results were consistent across most states lower rates of sleep insufficiency were associated with longer life expectancy.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of low
Noun
  • At the same time, Democratic leaders, backed by a rabble, stormed City Hall and seized control of the local government.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
  • As the tribunes, Bernardo De Paula’s Brutus and Daniel DeYoung’s Sicinius scheme and rabble-rouse with manipulative glee.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of rabble
Adjective
  • But the earlier dolls were crude, lumpen things, a cross between a beanbag and a sculpted potato.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Yet Empire Falls translates into a lumpen, stodgy miniseries, despite a fine central performance from Harris as a divorced diner owner with deep roots in the town and a structure that allows the past to keep informing and enriching the present.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2024
Definition of lumpen
Noun
  • Their past two victories against Switzerland and Egypt came with the help of controversial calls that had the soccer-watching populace buzzing about potential favoritism toward Argentina.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Trump’s decision to deploy these soldiers has thoroughly spooked a populace that already distrusts the president.
    — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of populace
Adjective
  • Family described him as a kind and humble man who worked hard and never hesitated to help others.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • The humble pen offers a very handy, easy-to-carry form factor for writing, so why not use it for other tasks, too?
    — Ben Coxworth July 14, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
Definition of humble
Noun
  • His charm offensive, including moving to Rio and recalling Neymar, has also begun to win over a skeptical public, setting the stage for a crucial World Cup challenge.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Harry and Meghan, who live in California, left Britain in 2020 after stepping back from royal life, and have since been involved in a long-running, public falling out with his family.
    — Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of public
Adjective
  • Linen and cotton, cooling garments, were too plebeian; the people posed nobly for street-style social-media accounts in leather jackets and low-slung jorts.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • This one is about a regular old guy, a hedge knight in the plebeian population of Westeros, just trying to get by in a world that isn't kind to the common and poor.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of plebeian
Noun
  • All that loot pumped out of the Armenian proletariat, says the gaur, and for what.
    — Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Severin, on the other hand, represents the revolutionary proletariat.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of proletariat

Browse Nearby Words

unwary
unwashed
unwatered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwashed. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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