washing

present participle of wash
1
as in bathing
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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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

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3
4
5
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

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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 washing The company’s famous catalog brought everything from washing machines to entire mail-order houses right into American homes. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2025 Breaking Bad actor Raymond Cruz was arrested Monday on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after allegedly spraying someone with a hose while washing his car in front of his home in Los Angeles. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025 And increasing floods linked to climate change are thought to be washing the creatures further and further afield. Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Both had employees not wearing gloves or washing their hands. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • At the center sits the 72-foot-tall installation of 1,632 curved glass panels, which facilitate energy-saving airflow while bathing the terminal in natural light.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • There’s a variety of bathing experiences available on-site, including a cascading waterfall.
    Mia Taylor, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The final result needed to be invisible, weightless, scentless, and makeup-gripping, all of which were achieved with flying colors—actually, with no color at all since the formula is completely clear on all skin tones.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Before flying, check your airline’s website for more details on what’s allowed.
    Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Capture the trails of speed, splashing water, and leaping moments.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The microplastic beads that celebrities were splashing all over their bathroom floors in commercials advertising their benefits were actually tearing our faces up!
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Increase the resistance on this exercise by wetting the towel first.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Potential for wetting rain exists and could provide additional containment opportunities.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In fact, rinsing again can increase the risk of cross-contamination from your sink, hands, or utensils.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after use to remove any remaining bacteria and debris, experts suggest replacing it every three to four months.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become slightly golden and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
    Faye Levy, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Keep it at room temperature for up to three days, stirring the mixture once per day.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the setback, Richardson has been focused on working hard and preparing himself for his next opportunity.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Employers who provide health insurance benefits for the bulk of working-age Americans might choose to enact restrictions.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Sweat dripping from her forehead to the corpse.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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