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

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as in splashing

to flow in a broken irregular stream soapy water washing down the drain

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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 The magnesium fits alongside a skincare wind-down that includes washing her face with her brand’s Micellar Cleanser, applying its Prep Serum and using its Night Cream, sometimes with a few drops of Boosting Oil mixed in. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026 To prevent an infection, the CDC recommends washing your hands and any fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026 The back hand sink also lacked soap and employees were washing hands at the ware washing sink. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Objectively speaking, hand-washing high-end cookware is more of a given than a con. — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 Work the lather into your roots with your fingertips (or a scalp massager) and give it a moment before washing it away. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 Ways to prevent spreading COVID-19 include avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms, washing your hands regularly and disinfecting high contact surfaces regularly, the Mayo Clinic said. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

Inspectors found a caregiver bathing a nude and terminally ill patient in front of two roommates.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Each floor will have two neighborhoods, where staff will prepare meals for residents and assist residents with their daily needs, such as bathing and getting dressed.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of bathing

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

Although invisible, the bacteria from your cleaning rag (for instance) can easily transfer to other surfaces, even after rinsing.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of rinsing

Verb

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring after each, until warmed through.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
In a candid Instagram video published Saturday, the Bay Area librarian and social media star updated his social media supporters about his condition, days after stirring concern online and announcing his plans to seek treatment at a hospital.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Now his focus is on following in his parents’ footsteps working with the Children’s Institute, an organization that supports children and families.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026