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 Now, to the handwashing shortcomings, such as a cashier handling customer’s payment, then preparing drinks and serving plates of food to customers without washing hands (cash and payment cards tend to be germ motherships). — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 In a single-person household, washing your bath mat every one to two weeks is typically sufficient. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026 If lily pollen or another substance is on a cat’s coat, Wahlen recommends wiping it away or washing the area with diluted dish soap to prevent ingestion during grooming. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 The overall experience for me has been one of pressure-washing my teeth, with an intensity that my gums do not enjoy. — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 My duties in washing the dishes mark the exact time and place. — Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Researchers haven’t determined an exact frequency for washing your sheets. — Carley Millhone, HEALTH, 1 Sep. 2026 How to Use Washing Soda to Treat Stains Mix two tablespoons of washing soda with equal parts water to form a paste. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026 An employee was washing and rinsing mixing bowls in the front hand wash sink. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

The famed Big 5 (elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and lions) are all easily spotted in these lands, but the diverse habitats provide opportunities for different behavioral sightings, from feeding to bathing and mating.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
The Traitors star could be seen posing nude from behind while bathing in an outdoor shower.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Grichuk put a good swing on a slider while flying out to left field.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
It was later revealed that the plane had been overloaded by 700 pounds and the pilot, who had cocaine and alcohol in his system, was not authorized to be flying, according to CBS.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of flying

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