1
as in ignoring
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 excusing
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
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 whitewashing
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
After a public outcry over complaints of whitewashing, A’zion swiftly exited the movie.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Odessa A'zion is dropping out of a film project just two days after her involvement was announced, citing a whitewashing controversy that took over social media.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
But there’s no whitewashing its flaws.
—Rebeccah Heinrichs, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewashing
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 13 Feb. 2026
After a public outcry over complaints of whitewashing, A’zion swiftly exited the movie.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Odessa A'zion is dropping out of a film project just two days after her involvement was announced, citing a whitewashing controversy that took over social media.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
But there’s no whitewashing its flaws.
—Rebeccah Heinrichs, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewashing
Verb
-
Prosecutors accused the trust, which convinced a federal district judge to order a temporary pause in construction, of ignoring claims that the project is needed to bolster national security.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But three days after withdrawing the lawsuit, Florida sued CMS for a third time, accusing the federal agency of ignoring the state’s public records request related to CMS’ approval of the KidCare expansion.—
Daniel Chang,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing, excusing the allegations as an accounting error.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
But Australians should maintain confidence in due process, and refrain from jumping to conclusions by either damning Roberts-Smith or excusing him.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Thankfully Pal was forgiving, and didn’t hold a grudge for poor riding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Polyester is a more low-maintenance, forgiving fabric.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Quiet-luxury proponents would often speak of frequency of use and cost per wear in justifying a four-figure black wool sweater.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Military technology has become more sophisticated, but the minds justifying its use are stuck in the past.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Hough included another video in which she was seen taking a ice bath on a wooden deck overlooking lush tropical greenery.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
In the outdoor rooftop setting overlooking the beaches and mountains, local breathwork specialist Gustavo took me on a restorative vinyasa journey.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Gianni Infantino tried to defend FIFA’s World Cup ticket prices by explaining American sports to Americans.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
-
Berry later apologized by email to Crocker, Cal-OSHA’s Sacramento District Manager, explaining that an arson and bomb investigator for Cal Fire, Gershom Slonim, had told Voller not to grant the interview.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewashing. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
