whitewashes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of whitewash
1
as in ignores
to dismiss as of little importance refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifies
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

whitewashes

2 of 2

noun

plural of whitewash
1
as in rationalizations

Related Words
2
as in washouts

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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 whitewashes
Verb
Burns, who is Black, also pushed back on criticisms that the state’s new Black history curriculum whitewashes the history of slavery and oppression in America. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 The biography is presented as a clear-eyed and evenhanded examination of Reid’s complex legacy that neither whitewashes his methods nor diminishes his accomplishments. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewashes
  1. ignores
  2. justifies
  3. rationales
  4. washouts
  5. forgives
  6. excuses
  7. justifications
  8. shutouts
Verb
  • The possibility of cloning the Peruvian system in Venezuela also ignores how long the process took.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This belligerent stance completely ignores the heavy price of the Netanyahu strategy.
    — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of ignores
Verb
  • The overall experience more than justifies the 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • And because of the scheduling changes cited above, the number of games no longer justifies the cost.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of justifies
Noun
  • Commentators from across the political spectrum have observed that, while opponents might cite water or electricity usage as their reasons, there are deeper rationales for the reaction against data centers.
    — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For Mary Kay, the latter of these rationales seems to have been clothed in the guise of the former, though the precise catalyst for establishing her own outfit remains indeterminate.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Definition of rationales
Noun
  • Officials said special attention will be given to gravel roads that could be susceptible to washouts and erosion.
    — Detroit Free Press, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But in a world where a few basis points separates legends from washouts, a 10-point edge is an enormous windfall for anyone who trusted Kalshi’s numbers over those crunched by CME, the giant futures-exchange operator.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of washouts
Verb
  • But Hannah, who sees his true good nature, forgives him.
    — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 22 May 2026
  • While The Pitt forgives and empathizes with Robby’s flaws, Robby is not called on to extend that empathy to others.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of forgives
Verb
  • None of that excuses his behavior, but a change of brain function, rather than a change of heart, is something his constituents need to consider.
    — Michael P.H. Stanley, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Any person who celebrates, encourages, or excuses actions like these is fundamentally wrong.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of excuses
Noun
  • Idaho allows exemptions for medical, religious or other reasons, and medical justifications account for very few of those exemptions, according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026
  • At the center lies carceral safety politics—logics that turn fears of violence into justifications for punitive responses.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of justifications
Noun
  • Riley Bell, Senior, Crowley Bell earned District 3-6A Goalkeeper of the Year and TASCO First Team All Region honors, recording 207 saves and five shutouts on the season, including 125 saves and one shutout in district play alone.
    — Charles Baggarly May 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Definition of shutouts

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Cite this Entry

“Whitewashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewashes. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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