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.
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Recent Examples of whitewash
Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
After a public outcry over complaints of whitewashing, A’zion swiftly exited the movie.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2025
With a professional tour record of 6–0 over Australian sides, the Lions now aim to secure a 3–0 series whitewash on Australian soil for the first time since 1974.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Verb
Critics accuse it of trying to whitewash the nation’s history.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
After a public outcry over complaints of whitewashing, A’zion swiftly exited the movie.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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
With a professional tour record of 6–0 over Australian sides, the Lions now aim to secure a 3–0 series whitewash on Australian soil for the first time since 1974.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewash
Verb
-
Roughly a year after his initial declaration, observers inside and outside the industry said networks had mostly ignored Jackson, and that little had changed.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
But dismissing or minimizing disappointment can unintentionally teach children to ignore or suppress emotions.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One can be excused for wondering why the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently beaten accusations of near-death since its inception in 1979.—
Alexander Langlois,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The rep excuses herself; in the hallway, Stephen congratulates Lucy.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Rudnev’s actions speak of a man looking for peace, rather than vindication.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The report provides vindication for economists like Apollo’s Torsten Slok, who have stayed bullish despite widespread pessimism.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There is no major washout or concern for burn scar areas.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 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
-
Part of this is internal, forgiving any part of yourself that feels bad for holding on to the hurt and comforting the younger version of yourself that is still alive inside you and vividly feeling that hurt.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Englander still hasn’t forgiven Lappe for eliminating him and Sherman Oaks Little League in the 2023 regional playoffs.—
Eric Sondheimer
Columnist
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Conspicuous logos and seasonal hype no longer justify their price or promise.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Additionally, hyperscalers, including Amazon , Microsoft , Meta , and Alphabet , announced capital expenditure of up to $700 billion on AI this year, which has raised concerns over returns and whether the extent of AI spend is justified.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Whether that’s a reality or a rationalization will only be known once the hire materializes.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
-
But in almost secure ones, minor discomfort is so chronic that people slip into rationalization.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sammon previously offered adjustments to the northeast corner of the primary bathroom to provide a larger setback from the neighboring property and a relocated window for more privacy.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Chelsea is just a point shy of the top four and will be determined to avoid another setback after surrendering a two-goal advantage against Leeds in their previous league outing.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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