washouts

noun

plural of washout
as in disasters
something that has failed the fashion designer's last showing was a complete washout

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 washouts But in a world where a few basis points separates legends from washouts, a 10-point edge is an enormous windfall for anyone who trusted Kalshi’s numbers over those crunched by CME, the giant futures-exchange operator. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The two subsequent washouts have given Sri Lanka a 1-0 series victory. — ABC News, 8 June 2026 There will be several chances for rain across Maryland Wednesday through early next week, but none of the days are looking like washouts. — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 6 May 2026 On the other hand, cool‑season sod farmers usually grow Kentucky bluegrass, which germinates slowly compared to other turfgrass species, increasing the risk of washouts. — Ryan Bearss, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026 Expectations going up after two straight Playoff washouts. — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 In optimal conditions, most vehicles can make it, but high clearance is strongly recommended—especially in winter and after storms, when washouts, flooding, or snow accumulation are possible. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026 Record-breaking rains have caused catastrophic washouts, mudslides, and emergency declarations across Washington and northwestern Montana. — Owen Clarke, Outside, 17 Dec. 2025 The storm also left people trapped in seven vehicles on nearby roads after overflowing creeks caused washouts, deputies said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washouts
  1. disasters
  2. failures
  3. disappointments
  4. catastrophes
  5. losers
  6. busts
Noun
  • Wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms and other disasters can leave little time to gather supplies or figure out where to go, so planning ahead can make all the difference.
    — Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Flores experienced one of the country’s deadliest disasters in 1992, when an earthquake and ensuing tsunami killed about 2,500 people.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of disasters
Noun
  • During more than 2,600 test interactions, researchers found inaccurate answers, weak sources, and serious safety failures.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than actual service failures, those logistical wrinkles serve as reminders that beneath the polished five-star veneer sits a functioning medical practice attempting to reconcile luxury hospitality with individualized medicine.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of failures
Noun
  • In retrospect, Richardson-Whitfield believes some of those disappointments were necessary to put her on the path toward directing.
    — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And yet, more often than not, modern-day biopic films are disappointments, inert movies that fall into the same narrative traps, leaving audiences cold.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of disappointments
Noun
  • The contrast is a reminder of the differences between the neighboring nations — their political systems, resources and the strength of their institutions — and a demonstration of how those can take on life-or-death importance in catastrophes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The company’s founder, Jeff Bezos, envisions building space habitats that could house billions as a solution to environmental catastrophes on Earth.
    — Marissa E. Yingling, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of catastrophes
Noun
  • The winners and the losers Like any economic policy, tariffs won’t benefit all parties.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Payouts for the runner-up and semifinal losers have also declined relative to the overall purse in the past decade.
    — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of losers
Noun
  • Recent khat busts at BWI Wednesday's announcement followed another khat seizure at BWI airport earlier that same week.
    — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of busts

Browse Nearby Words

wash out
washouts
wash (over)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Washouts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washouts. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of devolve

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All