1
2
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the employee's story about missing the bus didn't wash with her manager
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in splashing
to flow in a broken irregular stream
soapy water washing down the drain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in wetting
to make wet
rain washed the countryside for days on end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in rinsing
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
washed the baby's hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in stirring
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly
she absentmindedly washed her tea by tipping her cup, until the honey was at last mixed in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of washing
Let the cleaner work for about 10 minutes before washing the jeans.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
His first job, at age 11, was washing milk trucks on Sundays for his father at $3 a pop.
—Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
The new regulations also require things like hand-washing stations, proper refrigeration and prohibit using generators or propane tanks.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
To mitigate and prevent outbreaks, the NHS advises washing bedding and clothing at 60C or higher, followed by hot tumble drying if available, said The Guardian.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for washing
Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
His first job, at age 11, was washing milk trucks on Sundays for his father at $3 a pop.
—Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
The new regulations also require things like hand-washing stations, proper refrigeration and prohibit using generators or propane tanks.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
To mitigate and prevent outbreaks, the NHS advises washing bedding and clothing at 60C or higher, followed by hot tumble drying if available, said The Guardian.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
-
After bathing, wipe up any water from the floor to prevent mold and mildew from forming.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Jan. 2026
-
But these events unfold with minimal theatrics — the film’s most shocking development takes place entirely off-screen — as Meeks chooses instead to focus on their aftermath, bathing it in the cool blue light of early morning.—
Katie Rife,
IndieWire,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Quayle said that partially because of new restrictions on Newark flying, United will have aircraft available.—
Ted Reed,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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However, on January 29, the Black Hawk was flying following an FAA memorandum which allowed it to be turned off.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Currently, sewage and industrial waste drops from culvert pipes onto rocks below, creating splashing that releases airborne pollutants.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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As for tools, Byatt employs a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, some plastic wrap to control splashing once the buttermilk separates from the fat solids, and a bowl of ice water to help rinse out the last remaining buttermilk.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Some other unconventional methods include steaming the fabric to soften the threads and then stretch, as well as wetting the garment and then pining it down at the correct size, like how crocheters stretch out granny squares.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2026
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Now add a blob of water, wetting some of the sand.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Mini candle jars can be used as paint cups too, or filled with water for rinsing artist brushes.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
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Mix 1 tablespoon kosher salt per 2 cups of water and soak the grapes for 5-15 minutes before rinsing.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bring to a gentle simmer; cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if needed, until flavors meld, 10–15 minutes.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered without stirring.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
In Seeking Shelter, Jeff Hobbs exposes the scourge of homelessness that’s tearing apart working families.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
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The Las Vegas Raiders are working toward finalizing an agreement to make Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak their head coach, a person with knowledge of the discussions said Sunday.—
MARK ANDERSON,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What Else To Do To Protect Pipes Besides dripping your faucets, some insulation can go a long way in preventing damage to your pipes.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
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So too is the ancient dining room at Scotti's, with its Chianti bottle candle holders dripping with wax and soft opera music always playing through the speakers.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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