washing

Definition of washingnext
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 Gagliardi recommends washing your bed skirt every 3 months, so feel free to habit-stack this task with rotating your mattress. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026 Those who were placed in solitary confinement at the 2,684-bed facility were left without access to soap or running water to wash off the pepper spray, and some resorted to washing their faces with toilet water, according to the lawsuit. ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026 Immigration arrests have occurred at workplaces, during traffic stops, outside Home Depot, and while washing a car in a driveway, habeas court orders filed in the Southern District show. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 Is there anything more comfortable than slipping into bed after washing and drying your sheets? Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • His son, Davonte Ford, was his full-time caregiver — bathing Michael, administering his medications and dutifully responding to the dips and peaks in Michael’s blood sugar.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Run the bathroom exhaust fan after showering or bathing to dry the room more quickly.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Plus, here’s why flying in America is about to get more expensive and less fun.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Three others are flying more than 2,300 miles.
    Jay Posner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The family fed the elephants, prepared their food, gave mud baths, and ended the visit splashing in the river.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
  • So instead of splashing around in new pools on Day 1, the Broncos ran it back.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Space Leylands 8 to 10 feet apart to control these problems and avoid wetting the foliage.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
  • When cleaning your upholstered headboard, avoid over-wetting it.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This is the reason many food safety experts agree that rinsing raw fish and meats isn’t a good idea.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Others scrub into the grout and need rinsing immediately.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In a small bowl microwave chocolate chips, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute.
    Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Heat it gently, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warm.
    Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This unique approach has made Alterre shoes especially popular with brides wanting something special for their big day as well as working women looking to maximize the cost-per-wear on office 'fits.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • And then Miller shut the door with a scoreless ninth, working around a one-out walk to Julio Rodriguez, to send the United States back to the championship game.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The marmalade stays slightly sticky in the cakey muffin hearts, lending a lively citrus flavor to your breakfast, without dripping onto your jammies, or your dressing gown.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Sixteen Stone Ring by Jean Schlumberger, dripping in diamonds.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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