WASHING Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

washing

verb

Definition of washing next

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 Health inspectors noted violations including lack of hot water, unsafe food storage and improper manual ware-washing procedures, poor cleanliness and equipment that needed repair. —

Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026 Additional hygiene tips include wearing shoes, wiping surfaces, washing hands frequently, and using toilet paper as a barrier. —

Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026 To maintain balayage color, it is recommended to avoid washing hair for three days post-application and use hair masks or natural hair oil to keep the color vibrant. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Thursday’s liturgy recalls the foot-washing Jesus performed on his 12 apostles at The Last Supper together before he was crucified. —

Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for washing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

Oz claimed that New York’s Medicaid program last year provided some 5 million people with personal care services, which assist people in need with basic activities like bathing, grooming and meal preparation.

— Ali Swenson, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
One report detailed a staff member bathing a senior who was in hospice care with the window blinds open so that anyone in the garden outside could see.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026