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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Simply washing them isn’t going to bring them back to bright white, but that doesn’t mean hope is lost! — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 In several clips, she can be seen detangling and washing his hair. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 26 June 2026 Dirt or food on the hands can affect your blood sugar reading, so washing your hands removes any residue. — Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 June 2026 Or keep your blowout intact when doing your makeup or washing your face thanks to these adorable terry cloth headbands. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Some physicians recommend washing your mouth out after use by gargling and rinsing your mouth with water. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Police patrolled the city, citing those who insisted on washing their cars or watering their yards. — Kansas City Public Library Staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 This can include letting the faucet run until the water is cold before drinking, or running water continuously while washing fresh produce. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 After the father left the family, Nan Blyth supported herself and two daughters by washing clothes and working in beauty parlors. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

More than 84% of dogs in the study showed at least mild signs of fear and anxiety in everyday situations, excluding learned fears related to grooming activities like nail trimming and bathing.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Despite some athletes reporting illness afterward, no clear link to the water was confirmed, and the century-long psychological barrier to bathing in the Seine was finally broken.

— Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

At the heart of every Freak is its distinctive flying carousel architecture.

— Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Surveillance footage captured by a camera on the affected home, shared by Avila's daughter Jennifer Barbour on Facebook, shows the vehicle flying off the road before striking the home.

— Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of flying

Verb

As extreme heat hits Boston, residents are finding ways to stay cool, from splashing in Frog Pond to stocking up on water at Fenway Park, while city officials and utility crews urge people to take precautions.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 2 July 2026
After all that digging and splashing, a muddy dog still has to come back inside.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Definition of splashing

Verb

Joanna Shoulder received the beating as discipline for wetting her bed, according to a homicide detective’s account of his interview of the girl’s father described in an arrest warrant affidavit.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
Considerations Before Getting Started Before cleaning your sidewalks, gather some basic safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and protect plants and grass bordering your sidewalk from bleach and cleaners by wetting them down and covering them with plastic sheeting or old towels.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

Definition of wetting

Verb

The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
In soccer, the line between a yellow and a red card can be subjective, depending on the referee working the game that day and his or her interpretation of the play.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Definition of working

Verb

In really humid temperatures, the air becomes saturated with water vapour meaning sweat does not evaporate as efficiently, leaving humans in hot, humid environments dripping with sweat as the body struggles to get rid of excess heat.

— Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The music was slinky, glamorous, dripping in delicious campiness.

— Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 27 June 2026