1
as in faded
lacking intensity of color
washed-out blond hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
1
as in collapsed
to be unsuccessful
most of the participants in the tough training program washed out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in wore
to use up all the physical energy of
that last illness washed the child out completely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
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Recent Examples of washed-out
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
Although colors aren’t reference-monitor accurate, the lifelike hues and sharp edges on words and textures create a high-quality image that doesn’t look artificially saturated or washed-out like on similar portable monitors.
—Popular Mechanics, 29 Aug. 2023
Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
The storm flooded creeks, toppled trees and washed out roads, especially in Cataloochee Valley, where all trails became impassable.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2025
Armani stayed seamlessly on topic, but at the same time aimed to stage-direct the shoot to avoid looking washed out against the bright sunlight.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
The gel can be put on the scalp before a chemotherapy infusion and washed out after the infusion is complete, reports Kristen Jordan Shamus.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 23 Sep. 2025
The California Department of Transportation said in a statement that flash floods washed out multiple sections of State Route 38 in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Lake.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025
Flash flooding occurred in other parts of the Southwest as the heaviest downpours dropped 1 to 2 inches of rain in around an hour for some spots, causing some roads to be washed out and anything in the way of rushing floodwaters to be swept away.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2025
The floods occurred following thunderstorms from Tropical Storm Mario and washed out part of State Route 38 in the San Bernardino Mountains, leaving multiple vehicles stranded and caught in mudslides on the road, NBC News reported, citing the California Department of Transportation.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Doing so is difficult; such dams are often washed out in each new big storm.
—Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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
Although colors aren’t reference-monitor accurate, the lifelike hues and sharp edges on words and textures create a high-quality image that doesn’t look artificially saturated or washed-out like on similar portable monitors.
—Popular Mechanics, 29 Aug. 2023
Verb
Foot bridges will be washed out in Supai Campground.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
The storm flooded creeks, toppled trees and washed out roads, especially in Cataloochee Valley, where all trails became impassable.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2025
Armani stayed seamlessly on topic, but at the same time aimed to stage-direct the shoot to avoid looking washed out against the bright sunlight.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
The gel can be put on the scalp before a chemotherapy infusion and washed out after the infusion is complete, reports Kristen Jordan Shamus.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 23 Sep. 2025
The California Department of Transportation said in a statement that flash floods washed out multiple sections of State Route 38 in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Lake.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025
Flash flooding occurred in other parts of the Southwest as the heaviest downpours dropped 1 to 2 inches of rain in around an hour for some spots, causing some roads to be washed out and anything in the way of rushing floodwaters to be swept away.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2025
The floods occurred following thunderstorms from Tropical Storm Mario and washed out part of State Route 38 in the San Bernardino Mountains, leaving multiple vehicles stranded and caught in mudslides on the road, NBC News reported, citing the California Department of Transportation.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Doing so is difficult; such dams are often washed out in each new big storm.
—Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washed-out
Adjective
-
One man, wearing a faded Scott Kingery shirt, admired the view from behind home plate on the club level.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
In 1975, Elvis was a faded star in Vegas and Robert Johnson was just another obscure dead bluesman.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
More pertinently, if Iroegbunam or Gueye tired or did not screen passes correctly (shown below), Rogers and Emiliano Buendia had huge spaces to receive and turn, owing to Everton’s deep centre-backs refusing to step out.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Smith has completely collapsed.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Last weekend, on this same stage at Forest Hills, singer-songwriter Lola Young collapsed during her set at All Things Go.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Diesel also showed denim bleached from the inside out, creating an x-ray effect on the garment.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The photo was too sun-bleached to discern much else, but there was an e-mail address and a WhatsApp number to contact if anyone found her.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Fazit Beauty — made famous when Swift wore the company's glitter freckles to a Chiefs game — has $15 showgirl looks.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Cut onions do not need to be rinsed.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
-
All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The restaurant’s minimalist design, from the pale wood furniture to the soft globe lighting, feels warm thanks to earthy textures and abundant natural light, creating a calm, modern space, perfect for enjoying a meal.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Aim for pale yellow throughout the day.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Or perhaps its author was just exhausted, which would be entirely understandable.—
Liz Schubauer,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
So, yeah, when all was said and done, Jones was exhausted.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Washed-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washed-out. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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