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

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
  • Nurses braided Katy’s hair every day, bathing and feeding her.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • About two dozen people gathered at the town council meeting on October 16 to voice concern and distress about drinking, bathing in or washing their clothes in the yellow, brown water as the public comment period stretched over an hour.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 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
  • Make sure the can is sealed to prevent spills and splashing.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Guoda, who did not share her last name, posted a clip on TikTok (@mamadailyl) of her daughter’s feet splashing in the water.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 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
  • Draining and rinsing them can lower sodium by about 30 to 40%.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 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
  • Bring to a full rolling boil over medium-high, stirring occasionally.
    Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Keep your hips steady, and make small circles to the right with your forearms as if stirring a pot.
    Mallory Creveling, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Perri, 37, was used to working with athletes.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • And twenty miles across the fjord’s channel, three sea kayakers camping on high ground woke up to ocean water dripping into their tent, their gear strewn across the shore.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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