Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

whitewash

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of whitewash

1 to dismiss as of little importance
  • refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth
Synonyms of whitewash

blink (at), brush (aside or off), condone, discount, disregard, excuse, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, overlook, overpass, paper over, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, wink (at)
Words Related to whitewash

explain, justify, rationalize

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

waive, wave (aside or off)
Phrases Synonymous with whitewash

close one's eyes to, forgive and forget
Near Antonyms of whitewash

heed, mark, mind, note, object (to)
2 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 of whitewash

excuse, explain away, extenuate, gloss (over), gloze (over), palliate
Words Related to whitewash

sugarcoat, varnish

apologize, atone, confess

account (for), explain, justify, rationalize

minimize, play down, soft-pedal

alleviate, ease, lessen, lighten, mitigate, moderate, soften, temper

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Learn More about whitewash

  1. See words that rhyme with whitewash Dictionary: Definition of whitewash Spanish Central: Translation of whitewash Nglish: Translation of whitewash for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of whitewash for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up whitewash? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games