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
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Recent Examples of washing
The method was also easier than washing and drying grapes before storage, and a brief rinse before eating removed any trace of vinegar flavor.
—
Alma Avalle, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
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
This magnificent man kept showing up with flowers, leaving sweet cards, washing my car and filling my fridge.
—Kathlene Linehan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for washing
Alma Avalle, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
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
This magnificent man kept showing up with flowers, leaving sweet cards, washing my car and filling my fridge.
—Kathlene Linehan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
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Begin by slicing Yukon golds with a mandoline to achieve thin, perfectly even slices, and then simmer the potatoes in milk before bathing them in the rich, simple combination of heavy cream, butter, and Gruyère cheese.—
Jennifer Anderson,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
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Turn on your bathroom's exhaust fan after showering or bathing to prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew growth.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The violence captured on cellphone videos and shared around the globe – buses burning, gas stations attacked, military helicopters flying overhead – wasn’t just happening in remote rural towns long plagued by drug violence.—
Mary Beth Sheridan,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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Shorts and T-shirts Buyers are already looking ahead to the warmer months, which is why even summer staples like shorts and t-shirts are currently flying off shelves.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Muller has spent the past 12 years experiencing the ups and downs, fitful starts and stops her sport has endured since first splashing on the Swiss hockey scene as a 15-year-old by scoring her nation’s first bronze-medal clinching goal at the 2014 Sochi Games.—
John Wawrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Smaller kids will enjoy splashing around at the Penguin Play Bay, a (warm) shallow adventure lagoon, while adults seeking relaxation float down The Lost River, made to look like the site of ruins, or kick back in the Mystic Springs hot pool.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Focus on even moisture at the soil level, and avoid wetting the flowers and the rest of the plant, if possible.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
-
To water from the top, pour water over the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For extra protection, Stowell suggests soaking strawberries in a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water for five to 10 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
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Pine-Sol advises wiping your vessel inside and out with a little of the product on a cloth or paper towel and rinsing with water to get them back in shape.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Manosphere influencers and politicians alike are exploiting young men’s vulnerability, stirring resentment against women.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil and chorizo in now-empty skillet over medium heat until chorizo is crispy, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to a statement, a working knowledge of surgical procedures would have been necessary, as the Pazyryk lived in harsh conditions that threatened their lives.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
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Their analysis also adjusts their net workforce inflow numbers by estimating the volume of working age adults not encountered by federal agents.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Antnation Boho Smocked Top Set This $37 boho set is a one-and-done spring travel outfit that’s dripping in carefree, vacation-ready style.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
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The singer can be seen in fan videos on social media performing with something taped to his chest and blood dripping from his eyes.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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