green·wash·ing
ˈgrēn-ˌwȯ-shiŋ 
-ˌwä-
: the act or practice of making a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is
The practice of greenwashing appears more common as firms attempt to better position themselves in a global marketplace growing more concerned with corporate sustainability.—
Timothy W. Aurand et al.
Timothy W. Aurand et al.Not only is greenwashing bad for the environment, but it's misleading to consumers who want to invest in products that aren't harmful to the planet.—Jennifer Manfrin
Jennifer ManfrinThe greenwashing allegation … adds to efforts to heap pressure on some of the world's biggest polluting companies as regulators take an increasing interest in climate change.—William Mathis and Austin Weinstein Bloomberg
William Mathis and Austin Weinstein BloombergA lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.—The Economist
The Economistgreenwashing
2 of 2present participle of greenwash
Examples of greenwashing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In any case, despite critics’ cries of greenwashing and corporate astroturfing, there is still value to these devices.
—Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
Such an approach could entail less greenwashing and less bureaucracy and a much greater emphasis on results.
—Antoine Rostand, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Susan Thomas, director of policy and press for Just Transition Northwest Indiana, said in a statement that the project was a false solution and greenwashing attempt.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenwashing
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Noun
Running Patagonia is a balancing act on a tightrope performed under a microscope, in a time plagued by greenwashing and corporate mistrust.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In any case, despite critics’ cries of greenwashing and corporate astroturfing, there is still value to these devices.
—Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
Such an approach could entail less greenwashing and less bureaucracy and a much greater emphasis on results.
—Antoine Rostand, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Susan Thomas, director of policy and press for Just Transition Northwest Indiana, said in a statement that the project was a false solution and greenwashing attempt.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenwashing
Cite this Entry
“Greenwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenwashing. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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