washing

present participle of wash
1
as in bathing
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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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

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3
4
5
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

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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 Care-wise, bamboo requires washing on cold with similar fabrics on a gentle or delicate setting. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025 Gans also recommended prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and washing hands frequently during cold and flu season. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025 As my colleague Yasmin Tayag has written, corporations have been MAHA-washing their products to highlight those free of artificial dyes, high-fructose corn syrup, and seed oils. Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2025 But the film wastes no time washing Hank out of the picture. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • The top-floor primary suite faces the water with a fireplace, a sitting area that spills onto a slender balcony, and a spectacular bathroom that turns bathing and grooming into a ceremony.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The event will coincide with a total lunar eclipse, as Earth passes directly between the lunar disk and the sun, bathing its natural satellite in shadow, which in turn will trigger the appearance of a dramatic blood moon.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The sterile cockpit rule prohibits pilots from engaging in conversations unrelated to operating the aircraft when flying below 10,000 feet.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Perhaps the easiest was an airplane flying overhead.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kotb included other photos of the kids splashing in the water and sitting on the dock, as well as a selfie of all the kids with herself and Dreyer.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • The pictures also showed her playing in the back yard, splashing in a paddling pool, going running with her dad, and enjoying the sand on her paws at the beach.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Potential for wetting rain exists and could provide additional containment opportunities.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • To clean, start by wetting the inside of your shower.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after use to remove any remaining bacteria and debris, experts suggest replacing it every three to four months.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Make a savory bean dip by draining and rinsing a can of beans and then blending with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional herbs and chili flakes.
    Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Shroud of Turin — a 14-foot-long linen cloth bearing an image of a crucified man — has captivated people for centuries, stirring debate over whether the relic once wrapped the body of Jesus Christ.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • When the foam subsides, add the onion, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender, translucent, and deeply golden brown, 8–10 minutes.
    Jeremiah Langhorne, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Former director of football Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy, two key drivers of the initial interest in Rohl, have since left the club and are working for Rangers in Scotland.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • He's Delivered the Opposite | Opinion Venezuela has a unified and organized opposition that has been working tirelessly to prepare for this moment.
    Kristina Foltz, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The new collections reimagine the classic Bird on a Rock motif, brought to life by Jean Schlumberger in 1965, and takes its design cues from a bird’s wing, as well as the layered look of a bird’s plumage, to create graceful, sculptural pieces dripping in diamonds and other gemstones.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
  • An ice machine in the middle of the room had a drain line dripping into a 5-gallon bucket.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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