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 The messages were created using temporary chalk and power-washing techniques, with a cleanup plan in place from the outset. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 One day, while washing a wooden cutting board, a splinter lodged in my left index finger. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026 Compared to front load washers, top load washers have what’s called an agitator in the center of the vertical drum that’s used to create friction amongst the clothes when washing. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 The staff was washing knives with no sanitizer in the kitchen. — Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Health teams travel remote, unpaved roads and have reported shortages of protective gear, while a vast population of displaced people struggles to find reliable water sources for washing hands. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 Washing their sheets constantly If your weekly sheet-washing routine occasionally becomes an every-other-week routine, Roberts isn’t concerned. — Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 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 Sutherland says this is another common problem caused by washing towels in standard detergent. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface, blue light is scattered away while red wavelengths continue onward, bathing the moon in pinkish, copper and crimson tones.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Contaminants such as benzene, which can cause cancer, have been detected in plumbing and water systems after fires at concentrations capable of causing illness through drinking, bathing or showering.

— Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

On the other is a relief depiction of a Kremlin in flames, with a drone flying over it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Over the coming months, avionics, scientific instruments and thermal insulation will gradually transform the frame into the flying science laboratory destined for the outer solar system.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of flying

Verb

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
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

Definition of wetting

Verb

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
Some American Standard models also include a series of openings in the rim that create a power flush, rinsing away material that often collects under the rim over time.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

In a long warehouse in Kandahar’s Zhari district, fans whirl overhead, stirring the hot summer air around bunches of plump, green grapes draped over sticks set up in rows to dry.

— ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
Notice where competence has quietly become obligation and where resentment is stirring.

— Tracy Kennedy, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Equipment will continue working, account information won’t change, and pricing and current plans will stay the same.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Manning began her career at Fullscreen Media, working with digital creators to build multi-platform media businesses, develop original IP and structure cross-platform deals.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of working

Verb

With blood dripping down her face, Vipress was able to power through.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Frequent zoom-ins shown on screens showed sweat dripping down his face, and his hair resembled something similar to a mad scientist after an experiment blows up in their face.

— Joseph Hernandez August 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026