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 Computer modeling of the results suggests half of the plastic bottles washing into the Great Lakes and oceans every year come from at least 10 miles and up to 120 miles away, the scientists reported. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026 From washing dishes at a Denny's to running the most valuable company in the world. — Kif Leswing,annie Palmer,kevin Breuninger,samantha Subin,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 12 Nov. 2026 So think twice about taking that rug outdoors and pressure washing the rug on your driveway. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026 Sneaker waves are sudden waves that can sweep up a beach much farther than expected, potentially washing beach-goers out to sea, the National Weather Service said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026 Use a Gentle Shampoo The first step to moisturizing your scalp is washing it with a gentle shampoo formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026 There’s no need to rinse the bird, and washing raw poultry can spread bacteria around your kitchen. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026 In certain communities, funeral practices included washing the body and sprinkling water on mourners, which risked exposing people to infected bodily fluids. — Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026 The restrictions put a temporary end to washing cars at home, filling residential pools, non-essential power washing and operating decorative water features. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

One afternoon, while bathing her father, Thomas found bruising on his body.

— Raginee Sudhir Chaurey, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
In November, Feygin plans to host an event at the Wende Museum in Culver City, inviting other writers to share essays and poetry about their connections to bathing culture.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Rumors about the lineup had been flying around for weeks, as per usual in the fall, with multiple reports naming the eventual headliners while the festival stayed mum on the official report.

— Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Flying cars arrive XPeng plans to introduce its two-seat flying vehicle for limited commercial use in the second half of 2027.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of flying

Verb

Tribune archival photos show shirtless men splashing around at the North Avenue Beach.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Keep appliances and their cords away from sinks and splashing water, and never handle plugs or electrical devices with wet hands.

— Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of splashing

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

As a start, Mena recommends waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair, incorporating a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo on wash days, and always rinsing with cool to lukewarm water.

— Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026
Apply the mask, then leave it on for five minutes before rinsing off.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

Cover, turn the heat down to low, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
ToruńCAMERIMAGE 2026 is taking a pluralistic approach to the subject by giving AI advocates and opponents equal time, and the programming appears more interested in stirring the pot and sparking discussion than taking a firm position.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Dodgers looking for Miguel Rojas replacement Rojas already has begun the transition into his player development role with the Dodgers, working with prospects in the Arizona Fall League.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Asphalt contractor Albert Santing, who has 28 years of experience in the industry, said the quieter operation improved working conditions on the Groningen project.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of working

Verb

Luckily, waiters are standing by with large jugs of water, ready to refill at the sight of sweat dripping down your forehead.

— Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
Her face appeared through the center of the hand, with blood dripping from her mouth and fake tendons hanging from the wrist.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026