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
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Not many tech entrepreneurs cite the inspiration for their business as long hours spent pressure-washing other people’s homes.
—
David Prosser,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Around town, hand-washing stations are also rare.
—
Emmet Livingstone,
NPR,
24 June 2026
Detangle your hair fully after washing by applying a leave-in conditioner, then gently comb or brush with a wide-toothed comb or brush, working in sections to prevent damage.
—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
24 June 2026
Around the world, sharks are washing ashore with their livers removed with chilling precision while in the Strait of Gibraltar, orcas are targeting sailboats – ramming hulls, crippling rudders, and sinking vessels.
—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for washing
David Prosser,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Around town, hand-washing stations are also rare.
—
Emmet Livingstone,
NPR,
24 June 2026
Detangle your hair fully after washing by applying a leave-in conditioner, then gently comb or brush with a wide-toothed comb or brush, working in sections to prevent damage.
—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
24 June 2026
Around the world, sharks are washing ashore with their livers removed with chilling precision while in the Strait of Gibraltar, orcas are targeting sailboats – ramming hulls, crippling rudders, and sinking vessels.
—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
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Guests can try their hand at rice planting or bathing the resident water buffalo (a pampered pink-and-black pair).
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Authorities say the fish have not been sighted in bathing areas at Greek island resorts.
Verb
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Taylor loves her Easter eggs, and there are rumors flying that Madison Square Garden is simply a bold ploy to redirect fans’ (and the media’s) attention away from where her true nuptials will be.
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So, at this point, the town of Calistoga doesn't seem willing to take a chance that flying cars will be showing up any time soon.
Verb
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Canal Saint Martin in Paris drew throngs Sunday splashing and diving off a bridge, despite authorities’ attempts to control the crowds.
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If your idea of a bucket-list trip includes your furry friend digging holes in the sand and splashing around in the surf, then add Rehoboth Beach to the top of your list.
Verb
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Joanna Shoulder received the beating as discipline for wetting her bed, according to a homicide detective’s account of his interview of the girl’s father described in an arrest warrant affidavit.
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Considerations Before Getting Started Before cleaning your sidewalks, gather some basic safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and protect plants and grass bordering your sidewalk from bleach and cleaners by wetting them down and covering them with plastic sheeting or old towels.
Verb
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Carve Out an Outdoor Shower For rinsing off after a day at the nearby beach, Wood installed an outdoor shower.
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This can be done by rinsing or wiping the board with a dishcloth or paper towel.
Verb
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Roast until the berries soften and the juices become syrupy, 30-35 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
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The Zoroastrian high priest responded by stirring a pinch of sugar into the milk without spilling a drop.
Verb
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Saunders was also a longtime staple on Baltimore TV screens, working for WJZ until 2013.
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As part of his work overseeing health and performance programs at Google for 17 years, Newton Cheng researched the studies to understand the isolation and loneliness that can accompany working from home.
Verb
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To prevent that, some operators maintain low oil flow rates, akin to dripping a faucet in freezing cold weather to avoid frozen pipes.
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Endive petals dripping in vinaigrette.
Cite this Entry
“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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