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

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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 Additionally, the project’s closed-loop water system prevents nutrients from washing into nearby rivers, where runoff from conventional cotton production can contribute to eutrophication. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 From SheetsGate to purposefully washing Joy’s uniforms with rags, the laundry room has unleashed something deranged in Gen. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 This includes avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering your coughs and sneezes; washing your hands frequently with soap and water; and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026 The other method is hand-washing the blanket in a bathtub with cool water and a wool detergent. — Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026 Apply a nourishing hand cream with ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid after your cuticle oil — and after washing your hands, as soap and warm water can sap moisture from the skin. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026 Folding small clothes; washing little faces; sunscreen; a million snacks. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026 Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis includes washing the wound in question, receiving the human rabies vaccine, and, if necessary, rabies immunoglobulins, according to the World Health Organization. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026 Those areas have not closed, but campers are required to bring their own water for drinking and washing their hands. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

Like the moon during a solar eclipse, the asteroid casts a predictable moving shadow on a swath of Earth’s surface—a small silhouette in the dim light bathing us from that one star.

— David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2026
On Sunday morning, Netanel Shukrun, a father of six from the settlement of Alei Zahav, was shot and killed while bathing at a natural spring in the West Bank as part of the holiday customs.

— Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Platt shot cellphone video showing ferocious waves spilling over the promenade along East Brigantine Avenue on Saturday, pushing two bike racks aside and splashing Mayor Vince Sera.

— Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
And don’t forget to pack your best red outfit for Virgin’s over-the-top deck party, Scarlet Night, which inevitably ends up with everyone splashing around in the pool until the wee hours of the morning.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 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

Take an extra beat (and a bit of water) to emulsify the formula before rinsing it off for a thorough cleanse.

— Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026
Prepare the sprouts for storage by rinsing and draining the sprouts thoroughly, then laying them out on a dish towel to dry for an hour or so.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

Cotton kept a separate $855,000 award by the jury to Avila’s sister, Patricia Avila, who was working with Maria when the attack happened, intact.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
McGuire said the country’s murder rate is at a 126-year low and argued that falling fentanyl deaths and drug trafficking are evidence that the administration’s border and law enforcement policies are working.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of working

Verb

In a twist on tailoring, jackets dripping with fringe made their way down the runway at Monse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Zendaya, who was a nominee for her powerful performance on the HBO drama Euphoria, wore a glamorous Prada gown dripping with crystals that was styled by Law Roach.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026