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

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 There’s no need to rinse the bird, and washing raw poultry can spread bacteria around your kitchen. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026 In certain communities, funeral practices included washing the body and sprinkling water on mourners, which risked exposing people to infected bodily fluids. — Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026 The restrictions put a temporary end to washing cars at home, filling residential pools, non-essential power washing and operating decorative water features. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026 Tasks such as getting dressed, washing your hair or reaching behind your back may become especially difficult. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 3 Nov. 2026 In addition to vaccination, RUHS recommended that residents take preventive measures such as washing their hands frequently, staying home when sick and wearing masks when experiencing symptoms. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Color-safe shampoo and conditioner can help preserve the richness, while washing less frequently can reduce the amount of pigment lost during cleansing. — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026 Someone else touched his face and a clean tong without washing hands between those two actions. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Add half a cup of borax, half a cup of laundry detergent, and half a cup of washing soda to the water. — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

One afternoon, while bathing her father, Thomas found bruising on his body.

— Raginee Sudhir Chaurey, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
In November, Feygin plans to host an event at the Wende Museum in Culver City, inviting other writers to share essays and poetry about their connections to bathing culture.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Tribune archival photos show shirtless men splashing around at the North Avenue Beach.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Keep appliances and their cords away from sinks and splashing water, and never handle plugs or electrical devices with wet hands.

— Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Oct. 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

As a start, Mena recommends waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair, incorporating a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo on wash days, and always rinsing with cool to lukewarm water.

— Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026
Apply the mask, then leave it on for five minutes before rinsing off.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

Add the cardamom and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is completely broken down and the jam has thickened, about 25 minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Gradually pour in 3½ cups buttermilk, then melted butter, stirring constantly until combined.

— Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Walsh, who also has children in the district, said the Patriot Mobile PAC funded candidates who were elected put politics above working with kids.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
The third floor will look different from when Pat Hynes was last working there as a field inspector in 2020.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of working

Verb

Luckily, waiters are standing by with large jugs of water, ready to refill at the sight of sweat dripping down your forehead.

— Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
Her face appeared through the center of the hand, with blood dripping from her mouth and fake tendons hanging from the wrist.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026