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
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
The agency expects to hire 8,900 new air traffic controllers by 2028, but because of factors like attrition, retirements and program washouts, this will only result in 1,000 more certified controllers, according to FAA documents.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
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
The agency expects to hire 8,900 new air traffic controllers by 2028, but because of factors like attrition, retirements and program washouts, this will only result in 1,000 more certified controllers, according to FAA documents.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washouts
Noun
-
But the biggest warning signs are not always headline-grabbing disasters.—
Gregg Herrin,
Fortune,
13 June 2026
-
The island is trying to recover from the disasters, with some 30% of projects still pending.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Researchers examine how teams analyze data, communicate, and make decisions during unexpected technical failures or emergency alarms.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
17 June 2026
-
Across the country, bitter winter cold snaps accelerate battery failures overnight.—
Karen Koehler,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
After a rough couple of days at Yankee Stadium to start their six-game trip, the Sox head to Detroit for a three-game series against the Tigers, one of baseball’s biggest disappointments.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
People are a series of disappointments.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Horrible things happen all the time, crises and catastrophes that defy language and imagination.—
Karen Valby,
Vanity Fair,
16 June 2026
-
Then there were climate catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina, the normalization of active shooter drills at their schools and a worldwide pandemic.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The history of warfare is often measured in winners, losers, troop sizes, dollars and human casualties; but collateral damage across the animal kingdom far outlasts the final shot.—
The Los Angeles Times,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
-
Host Mary Louise Kelly gathers three NPR correspondents who are covering the region – Greg Myre in Tel Aviv, Jane Arraf in Beirut and Aya Batrawy in Cairo – to understand what's next and who has emerged as the winners and losers.—
June 18,
NPR,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Weil says Rockmount has weathered booms and busts over its eighty years of business.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
California’s budget can rise and fall sharply based on gains in the stock market, which puts the state in good financial position during booms and vulnerable during busts.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Washouts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washouts. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
