1
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance
refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to excuse
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
don't try to whitewash your rudeness by claiming that you were having a bad day
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in vindication
Related Words
2
as in washout
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 whitewash
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 13 Feb. 2026
Critics accuse it of trying to whitewash the nation’s history.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
By the afternoon, the sun broke through, 4-to 6-foot surf giving the surfers plenty of opportunities, at times the whitewash so powerful water licked the bottom of the concrete pier.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Verb
From the whitewashing controversy to the toxic love to the daring costumes, the discourse is going to be discoursing.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 13 Feb. 2026
Critics accuse it of trying to whitewash the nation’s history.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
Visit the whitewash beacon and adjacent lightkeeper’s house located at the Southern end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
By the afternoon, the sun broke through, 4-to 6-foot surf giving the surfers plenty of opportunities, at times the whitewash so powerful water licked the bottom of the concrete pier.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewash
Verb
-
Atlanta's plan to protect human rights during the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing criticism from a coalition of community organizations that say the city ignored their input while developing the framework.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Netflix has largely ignored the format that dominates the phone of anyone under 35.—
Max Cutler,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
None of this is to excuse Tina Peters’ conduct.—
Doug Friednash,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Thank the baseball gods for the Colorado Rockies, the Giants’ permanent buffer against being in last place and go-to excuse for why things could be worse.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For those who have suffered under the grip of the Khamenei regime, the destruction of some facilities – including detention centers and morality police compounds – brings a complicated sense of relief and vindication.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
This was vindication for his patient work.—
Devin Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There are low chances for rain from Wednesday into the weekend but no day looks like a complete washout.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
-
This comes amid a debate on the right over what themes to stress to avoid a GOP washout in November.—
The Wall Street Journal,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The authority owes the city $8 million, which the city has committed to forgive if the changes at the property are done responsibly.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The gym too is stylishly designed—with hemlock floors and forgiving lights—and the fitness equipment is up-to-date, if unfortunately not sourced from Olympus itself.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Right now, Apple’s AirPods Max are leading the charge with a $120 price drop, which makes these excellent headphones a little easier to justify.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Both fatal shootings remain under investigation by the Office of the Inspector General to determine if the use of force was justified under Connecticut law.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Two at-odds facts can both be true, and all of us are susceptible to arrogance and self-serving rationalization.—
Carol Quillen,
Time,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Whether that’s a reality or a rationalization will only be known once the hire materializes.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There was no shortage of setbacks for stocks last week.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Tigers handed previously unbeaten Austin Westlake its first setback of the season, taking control with a second-quarter surge and never letting up on the way to a 51-37 triumph Saturday in the UIL Class 6A Division II state final at the Alamodome.—
Terrence Thomas,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
