1
2
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the employee's story about missing the bus didn't wash with her manager
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in splashing
to flow in a broken irregular stream
soapy water washing down the drain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in wetting
to make wet
rain washed the countryside for days on end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in rinsing
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
washed the baby's hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in stirring
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly
she absentmindedly washed her tea by tipping her cup, until the honey was at last mixed in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of washing
Health inspectors cited the Sacramento grocery store after observing staff washing raw meat display plates in the preparation sink using handwashing soap and water.
—
Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Some of them blatantly disregarded social distancing and basic hand-washing policies and didn’t separate COVID-19 patients’ and non-COVID patients’ laundry.
—Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The establishment did not have proper hand-washing facilities for employees.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Jan. 2025
Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning spills, and storing it out of reach.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
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The new Ligne des Plages bus line stops at all bathing spots on summer weekends.—
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Top-notch restaurants, lively music venues, and plenty of forest-bathing opportunities await.—
Verb
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Hall was in net when Boston's Bobby Orr scored in overtime to win the Cup for the Bruins in 1970, a goal that's among the most famous in hockey history because of the flying through the air celebration that followed.—
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While some travelers praise the trend for reducing stress and avoiding baggage fees, others say flying without bags is unrealistic for longer trips or work travel.—
Verb
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Powdery mildews produce spores in spring that move to susceptible host tissue by insect or human activity, wind, or splashing raindrops.—
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Heidi Klum continued her barely-there swimwear streak on Tuesday, splashing in the waves while wearing a micro string bikini set.—
Verb
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Now add a blob of water, wetting some of the sand.—
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Movies like High Tension (2003) and Martyrs (2008) would have even Eli Roth wetting his knickers, and Inside is no exception.—
Verb
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Making sure the steaks have been fully thawed and brought to room temperature is the first crucial step for most people, but others have memories of their parents or grandparents rinsing steak in the sink, or perhaps soaking it in water, before the prep work begins.—
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Shea butter helps soften and replenish skin that’s prone to flaking, while glycerin supports ongoing moisture so skin doesn’t feel tight after rinsing.—
Verb
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Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
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Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation.—
Verb
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Hardemon, working with Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King and CRA Executive Director James McQueen, imagined a future that put Overtown at the center of art and innovation.—
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Not working with the federal agency is not the response the City of Pittsburgh Republican Committee wanted to hear.—
Verb
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Jessica Chastain wore a custom Cucinelli gown dripping in diamond accents and talked shop with DuVernay.—
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However things turn out next month, Bowe’s 38th birthday will coincide with another passage in her life, one dripping with anticipation and, perhaps, a dose of poignancy.—
Cite this Entry
“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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