washing

Definition of washingnext
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

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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

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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 Health inspectors cited the Sacramento grocery store after observing staff washing raw meat display plates in the preparation sink using handwashing soap and water. Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Some of them blatantly disregarded social distancing and basic hand-washing policies and didn’t separate COVID-19 patients’ and non-COVID patients’ laundry. Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 The establishment did not have proper hand-washing facilities for employees. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Jan. 2025 Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning spills, and storing it out of reach. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • The new Ligne des Plages bus line stops at all bathing spots on summer weekends.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Top-notch restaurants, lively music venues, and plenty of forest-bathing opportunities await.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Hall was in net when Boston's Bobby Orr scored in overtime to win the Cup for the Bruins in 1970, a goal that's among the most famous in hockey history because of the flying through the air celebration that followed.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • While some travelers praise the trend for reducing stress and avoiding baggage fees, others say flying without bags is unrealistic for longer trips or work travel.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Powdery mildews produce spores in spring that move to susceptible host tissue by insect or human activity, wind, or splashing raindrops.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Heidi Klum continued her barely-there swimwear streak on Tuesday, splashing in the waves while wearing a micro string bikini set.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 31 Dec. 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
  • The best way to prevent them is to always dry your sink after rinsing it.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • If their numbers are small, rinsing your daylilies with a strong blast of water from your garden hose is often sufficient to get rid of them.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Hardemon, working with Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King and CRA Executive Director James McQueen, imagined a future that put Overtown at the center of art and innovation.
    Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Not working with the federal agency is not the response the City of Pittsburgh Republican Committee wanted to hear.
    Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jessica Chastain wore a custom Cucinelli gown dripping in diamond accents and talked shop with DuVernay.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
  • However things turn out next month, Bowe’s 38th birthday will coincide with another passage in her life, one dripping with anticipation and, perhaps, a dose of poignancy.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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