washing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 washing The fabric is washing machine safe and softens with age. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025 And while the screw-on cap is comprised of BPA-free, durable, and food-safe polypropylene, Brandon recommends always hand-washing the tops and not leaving them out in the sun, as UV light can break down even the best plastics. Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025 Before working for the family business, Jordan started washing cars and teaching tennis lessons to children to earn enough money to buy his first car. Yolande Clark-Jackson, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025 Shake out microfiber cloths outdoors to release dust and lint before washing them. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • After bathing, spray your tub down two to three times per week to keep it clean.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025
  • It was designed to be a structural element in the hull, too, with the four glass sides serving as walls in the beach area below and bathing the area in natural light.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Air Force is repeatedly flying heavy bombers near the Venezuelan coast as a show of force, too.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Over the years, he's developed a reputation for flying vintage airplanes, even after suffering a near-death plane crash that left his right ankle and pelvis shattered and his back broken in March 2015.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This is the original pool, an infinity-edge spot where, years ago, Bobby would spend hours splashing and then join us at Lotus for lunch.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Most of those trout that were netted and hoisted for a picture likely lived, splashing water through the air and then disappearing back into the river.
    Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What sold me on the Shapton set was the process of wetting the whetstones.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Increase the resistance on this exercise by wetting the towel first.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many dandruff shampoos work best when left on the scalp for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Skipping the step of rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of foodborne illness and other health issues.
    Wendy Bumgardner, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Without wiping Dutch oven clean, add onions; cook over medium-high, stirring often, until softened and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Cook the beef until brown, stirring occasionally to break up the meat into pistachio-sized bites.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The two first met over Zoom while working on the Amazon film Música, which Mancuso wrote and directed.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said the legislation wouldn’t cover military troops or federal law enforcement officers or air traffic controllers who are working without paychecks.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amelia Gray was, fittingly, dripping in crystal for the Swarovski Masters of Light celebration in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Hadid's looks for the night included a lace lingerie piece dripping in silver fringe and a red hot satin bra with a matching garter and underwear, along with a floor-sweeping robe.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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