1
as in ignored
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 excused
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whitewashed
The island’s whitewashed, clifftop village offers romantic views of the Aegean Sea, and a steep, zig-zagging path climbs up the hillside to a church.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
Sterilized, whitewashed, controlled, censored – all those words apply.
—Jim Axelrod, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
In hushed towns like Locorotondo and Martina Franca, whitewashed lanes curve unexpectedly, church bells peal away the hours, and olive trees cast ever longer shadows onto dusty squares.
—Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
By then, investigators had checked Guthrie’s flat, whitewashed roof and probed her septic tank with a long pole.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Its pristine, whitewashed aesthetic often evokes the charm of the Greek Islands.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2026
Visitors and locals alike appreciate the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, whitewashed adobe buildings, and red-tile roofs nestled at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, bordering the Pacific Ocean.
—Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
In 2026, designers predict that what's underfoot will get darker and more colorful, rather than the light, whitewashed look that's on its way out.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Marcos Jr’s landslide victory in 2022 marked an extraordinary comeback for the notorious political family, which critics claimed was made possible in part by disinformation campaigns which whitewashed the history of the Marcos era.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
Sterilized, whitewashed, controlled, censored – all those words apply.
—Jim Axelrod, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
In hushed towns like Locorotondo and Martina Franca, whitewashed lanes curve unexpectedly, church bells peal away the hours, and olive trees cast ever longer shadows onto dusty squares.
—Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
By then, investigators had checked Guthrie’s flat, whitewashed roof and probed her septic tank with a long pole.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Its pristine, whitewashed aesthetic often evokes the charm of the Greek Islands.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2026
Visitors and locals alike appreciate the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, whitewashed adobe buildings, and red-tile roofs nestled at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, bordering the Pacific Ocean.
—Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
In 2026, designers predict that what's underfoot will get darker and more colorful, rather than the light, whitewashed look that's on its way out.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Marcos Jr’s landslide victory in 2022 marked an extraordinary comeback for the notorious political family, which critics claimed was made possible in part by disinformation campaigns which whitewashed the history of the Marcos era.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewashed
Verb
-
But documents released by the government in March, after being forced to by Parliament, showed Starmer ignored red flags raised by his staff about the appointment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
America’s $39 trillion national debt has become a familiar political football—batted around in budget negotiations, invoked at congressional hearings, and largely ignored between elections.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the couple continued to pepper Harry with questions, Caroline excused herself to get another seltzer.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Dewey is excused from his parents’ anniversary party, given his success as a pianist, but Lois demands that everyone else be present, including Malcolm.—
Allison McClain Merrill,
Parents,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When Ponds’ youth football coach from the Washington Park Buccaneers, Marcel Roberson, introduced seven of his top youth players to the staff at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Ponds was overlooked.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
-
But not to be overlooked in 2026 are domestic cruises, with options including coastal sailings, river cruises, and voyages on the Great Lakes.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Senior Iranian leaders have repeatedly denied Israel’s legitimacy, predicted its destruction and framed that outcome as inevitable and justified.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Customs and Border Protection rules say that pepper balls and other projectiles should not be aimed at vulnerable areas such as the head or spine unless deadly force is justified.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This was, 6ix9ine explained, the autograph of Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela.—
Diego Lasarte,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Greater microbial diversity is generally associated with a more resilient immune system and better metabolic function,4 Beghini explained, so sharing microbes with a healthy partner can have a positive impact by helping to shape your microbiome towards a healthier composition.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Therefore, they are heated, neutralized, bleached, and deodorized to improve the flavor.—
Isabel Vasquez RD LDN,
Health,
16 Apr. 2026
-
After finding the currency and reporting it, the crew cleaned and deodorized the bills and returned all of the loot to the homeowner.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whitewashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewashed. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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