1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in splashing
to flow in a broken irregular stream
soapy water washing down the drain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in wetting
to make wet
rain washed the countryside for days on end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in rinsing
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
washed the baby's hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
Keep your refrigerator spick-and-span by washing produce drawers with hot water and soap, and spraying all surfaces down with a disinfecting (but non-toxic and food-friendly) vinegar solution.
—
Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
An employee was washing their hands with gloves on.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
april 10, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
There are so many tasks to take care of, from washing the windows to dusting the lightbulbs.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for washing
Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
An employee was washing their hands with gloves on.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
april 10, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
There are so many tasks to take care of, from washing the windows to dusting the lightbulbs.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
-
In the corner were two roofless latrines—one with the toilet and the other with a tap, bucket and footstool for bathing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Lisa Lane is the founder of Rinseroo, which sells portable shower heads, bathtub, and sink attachments for cleaning, pet grooming, and bathing.—
Anne D’Innocenzio,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The drone can be seen intercepting a low-flying Ka-52, maneuvering towards its port weapon pylon before the footage dramatically cuts.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
-
According to Delta's policies, there are no restrictions for flying while pregnant on the airline.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The birds’ splashing tends to discourage mosquito larvae development.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
That viral video of the bear splashing in his ice bath exists because dedicated researchers and zookeepers are working to make sure polar bears have a future — in the Arctic and beyond.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Blot — don’t rub — and avoid over-wetting the mattress, which can lead to mold growth if moisture gets trapped inside.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Water at the base of plants instead of wetting the entire garden with a sprinkler or hose.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Descaling involves running a vinegar or commercial descaling solution through the machine to flush out mineral buildup, then rinsing it out with multiple water cycles.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of soaking, the seed can also be cleaned by rinsing it under fast, hot running water multiple times.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Add onion and celery; cook until tender, stirring occasionally.—
Maddy Bendgen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
-
By evening, disruptive Uranus enters your 12th House of Secrets and Solitude, stirring dreams, memories, and subconscious patterns.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The National Conflict Resolution Center has hosted this event for 38 years now, to recognize individuals and organizations working with passion and purpose toward a better future for all Americans.—
Steven P. Dinkin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Clear, kind boundaries keep things working.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Queso dripping all over the meat and other toppings is so much more fun.—
Aly Walansky,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Always place the package on a plate or inside a container—raw meat dripping onto produce or leftovers is one of the most common sources of cross-contamination in the home kitchen.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
