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
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Recent Examples of whitewashing
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
Meanwhile, House Republicans recently established a committee to reinvestigate the events of that day, forcing taxpayers to fund an apparent effort at whitewashing the riot and its causes.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewashing
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
Meanwhile, House Republicans recently established a committee to reinvestigate the events of that day, forcing taxpayers to fund an apparent effort at whitewashing the riot and its causes.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewashing
Verb
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Separate video from Washington shows House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries ignoring a CNN reporter’s question about what should happen with Cherfilus-McCormick.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
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In that 2024 series, the Wolves used Rudy Gobert as a roving rim protector while ignoring Aaron Gordon in the corner.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And historians can talk about the Versailles treaty causing resentment in Germany, which led to the rise of Nazism in World War II, and that’s fine; that’s not excusing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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Americans must hold the president to a higher standard and stop excusing him like a misbehaving child from a broken home.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For now, at least, the audience seems forgiving, which lets Jomboy try new things.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
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This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Consistently, independent polls showed the opposition with a sizable lead, but Western diplomats in Budapest cautioned me not to underestimate Orbán’s ability to mobilize voters at the last moment, or to manufacture circumstances justifying a state of emergency.—
Isaac Stanley-Becker,
The Atlantic,
12 Apr. 2026
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In the meantime, Varsity faces a Thursday deadline to submit arguments justifying why, at its insistence, a bulk of the docket to date has been filed under seal.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The family room has an original Eastlake-style mantle over a gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a five-window bay overlooking Burton Street.—
Lauryn Azu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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The bedrooms include a primary suite (stay here for a private terrace with valley views), plus additional rooms overlooking the gardens.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jacqueline Ferrara, a Garland Police Department forensic biology and DNA analyst, testified remotely, explaining how evidence in this case was collected and tested at a Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab in early 2023.—
Lauren Crawford,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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While inside the bank, Connie secretly begged for help by writing a note explaining the situation and giving it to the bank teller.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewashing. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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