WASHED OUT Synonyms: 260 Similar and Opposite Words

washed-out 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwȯsht-ˈau̇t

Definition of washed-out next

as in faded

lacking intensity of color washed-out blond hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tired

depleted in strength, energy, or freshness feeling washed-out after the endless primary season, the party's nominee needs a vacation more than anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

washed out

2 of 2

verb

past tense of wash out

as in collapsed

to be unsuccessful most of the participants in the tough training program washed out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bleached

to make white or whiter by removing color the bright lights of the TV studio washed out her facial features, making her look as white as a ghost

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in killed

to use up all the physical energy of that last illness washed the child out completely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rinsed

to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse wash out your bathing suit in the sink

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 washed-out

Adjective

Images incorporated into the mayor’s video showed washed-out or collapsed roads, a car stuck in floodwaters and raging waterways. —

Sophia Tareen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026 Intense flash flooding in towns like Wrightwood and Phelan in recent weeks caused devastating mudslides and washed-out roads, forcing people to be rescued by helicopter. —

Zach Boetto, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026 The magic lies in its warmth, which prevents the face from looking washed-out. —

María Diez, Vogue, 17 Nov. 2025 Images generally have washed-out colors and an overall dark tone. —

PC Magazine, 25 July 2025 Lindsay’s nails cause the color of the nail bed to look half white and half red or brown, whereas Terry’s nails cause the nail bed to look mostly white or washed-out, per Cleveland Clinic. —

Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024 This shade leans totally into nude territory without being washed-out. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 July 2024 The picture is bright, though some high-contrast shots of silhouetted objects show slightly muddy or washed-out shadow details; the contours of a lioness against a sunset are slightly indistinct, while trees against a stormy sky are a bit too light. —

PCMAG, 30 May 2024 That addition is particularly important considering users have complained in Samsung's user forums and on Reddit about the current vivid setting appearing too washed-out. —

Ewan Spence, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

Verb

Part of a state highway in Northern Lower Michigan has washed out and is closed until further notice, the Emmet County Sheriff's Office said. —

Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026 The third Masters had so much rain that the first round didn't start until Friday, and when Sunday was washed out, the final two rounds were played on Monday. —

ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026 Strikeouts present an issue, so some in-season adjustments will be necessary to maintain this pace, but any process flaws should get washed out by the optimal hitting environment. —

John Laghezza, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 After rain washed out Saturday’s game — setting up only the Cubs’ second doubleheader against an American League team (2014 against the New York Yankees) — the cold conditions with a wind chill in the 30s didn’t create an ideal hitting environment Sunday. —

Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 Troubles with water mounted over the years, so much so that their driveway once was washed out and their septic system destroyed, after an uphill neighbor cut down dozens of mature trees. —

Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 Three others quickly washed out of the NBA. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026 Floodwaters washed out homes, damaged roads, submerged vehicles and threatened a major dam in northern Oahu over the weekend. —

Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 Too cool and you can look washed out. —

Bianca London, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washed-out

Adjective

For the second time in a week, the Dodgers made a minor-league acquisition of a faded pitching prospect with impressive velocity but poor control.

— Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Jenner is pictured wearing a pair of faded yellow jeans and a white tank top, paired with a belly chain.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026