WASHING Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

washing

verb

Definition of washing

present participle of wash

as in bathing

to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

as in splashing

to flow in a broken irregular stream soapy water washing down the drain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wetting

to make wet rain washed the countryside for days on end

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rinsing

to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse washed the baby's hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology emphasizes a wearer washing their hands thoroughly with fragrance-free soap and water before touching the eye area to insert lenses. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 An employee was washing and rinsing mixing bowls in the front hand wash sink. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Much of that water use is the result of habits that most people rarely give a second thought— like leaving the sink running while washing dishes or setting up an automatic sprinkler system to maintain a green yard. — Simmone Shah, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 From cleaning out our gutters and power washing your deck to prepping your cabinets for flue season and switching out your bedding, here's what should be on your home checklist as summer comes to an end. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Keep plastic utensils, paper plates, and plastic cups in the room since washing dishes is most likely not an option during a weather emergency. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 The magnesium fits alongside a skincare wind-down that includes washing her face with her brand’s Micellar Cleanser, applying its Prep Serum and using its Night Cream, sometimes with a few drops of Boosting Oil mixed in. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026 To prevent an infection, the CDC recommends washing your hands and any fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026 Objectively speaking, hand-washing high-end cookware is more of a given than a con. — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

Inspectors found a caregiver bathing a nude and terminally ill patient in front of two roommates.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Each floor will have two neighborhoods, where staff will prepare meals for residents and assist residents with their daily needs, such as bathing and getting dressed.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.

— Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of wetting

Verb

Although invisible, the bacteria from your cleaning rag (for instance) can easily transfer to other surfaces, even after rinsing.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026
For best results, the brand recommends massaging a dollop into the scalp for two full minutes before rinsing it out.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring after each, until warmed through.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
In a candid Instagram video published Saturday, the Bay Area librarian and social media star updated his social media supporters about his condition, days after stirring concern online and announcing his plans to seek treatment at a hospital.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Now his focus is on following in his parents’ footsteps working with the Children’s Institute, an organization that supports children and families.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026