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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Securing a flagship robotic vacuum with pressurized stain pre-treatment, active self-washing roller mopping, and a bagless cyclonic dock for under $900 is an exceptional value. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 Other recent improvements to the building include cleaning windows that had not been washed in years, pressure-washing sidewalks, restriping the parking garage and repairing elevators. — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2026 Sutherland says this is another common problem caused by washing towels in standard detergent. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 The shooting occurred during an argument about washing dishes in 2010, the Associated Press reported, citing records. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 As the Cyclospora outbreak grows, experts recommend washing all fresh produce that hasn’t been pre-washed—not just lettuce. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026 The inspector noted that employees weren’t washing their hands properly and the ice from a dirty ice machine wasn’t safe for human consumption. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 Public health experts recommend thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables or simply cooking them, which kills the tiny critters. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 July 2026 Roll along the interior lining to lift debris without fully washing the bag. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

The rocks can provide birds with a safe place to perch when bathing, too.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026
Apparently, Alice has stopped bathing because Marshall used to yank her out of the shower to beat her up.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 27 July 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Flights at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport, a major cargo hub, were disrupted during the night after a sighting of a flying object was reported and another object was found near a runway, police said Wednesday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
As a result, the squad were much further down the fitness road in the States, helped by playing two friendlies against Wisla Krakow and Manchester United before flying out.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of flying

Verb

For those who do choose to enter the water, experts recommend avoiding splashing, seals and schools of fish.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Emily in Paris chronicles the birth of an influencer, regularly splashing Emily’s Instagram posts and growing follower count across the screen.

— Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of splashing

Verb

Pyne argues that Mediterranean Europe, much like California, is naturally predisposed to burn because of an annual cycle of wetting and drying.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Make sure water penetrates to the deep roots in addition to wetting surface roots.

— Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of wetting

Verb

How to Check Store-Bought Flowers to Prevent Pests Wang recommends rinsing bouquets with water before displaying them to help remove any pests that may be hiding within the flowers.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
While occasionally rinsing with cold water may have some benefits, using very hot or cold water to wash your face can lead to dry, irritated skin.

— Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

The Moon enters Gemini and your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, stirring questions around trust, money, or emotional exchange.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Perez Hilton has expressed deep regret, particularly for stirring panic and fear among Hollywood celebrities through his popular blogsite.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Knitwear made from thin, airy materials or designed with an oversized fit is ideal for providing the touch of warmth needed on cool summer nights, while also working well with extra layers when fall weather arrives.

— Natalie LaBarbera, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
So, before summer ended, Herman and his staff were working with the basketball teams, too.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026