as in convinces
to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally
Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners. Does advertising brainwash children?
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwashes
Verb
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But Saccharine slips off the rails, especially once Hana convinces Josie that Bertha’s spirit has latched onto her in malevolent ways, growing bigger and stronger all the time.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026 -
But the feint convinces almost no one, because Newsom is perhaps the least Falstaffian man in wine.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Most of the passengers are content to wait for the driver to figure things out, but Folarin persuades a passing truck driver to take him and his sons the rest of the way.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
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Capability alone no longer persuades buyers who now want proof of systems that work quietly in the background while results take the center stage.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In Fennell’s version, Cathy’s brother is dead by the time her father brings home a selectively mute boy, whom Cathy chooses to name Heathcliff after her deceased brother.—
Becky Little,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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Overall, Mayor Castillo brings experience, clarity, and drive to the role.—
Thomas Good,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The attention attracts con artist Jacob (Robbie Allen), who sends three clumsy thieves led by Kodiak (Richmond) to steal the kangaroo and appease the wealthy Kathryn (Kinmont) and her ailing son.—
William Earl,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
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For high-net-worth individuals, success not only attracts opportunity but also exposure.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Guy, as Sinclair is known on the show, sells to everyone, stressed-out 20-something assistant and cross-dressing stay-at-home dad alike, witnessing their private joys and pains and shortcomings and judging no one.—
Ezra Marcus,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
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Guthrie, who now sells insurance, deferred comment to his lawyer, Warren Price of Murphy & Price in Colorado Springs.—
Justin Wingerter,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your starter entices with a spicy-tangy flavor, leading into the classic roasted chicken entree.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
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While Summer most likely has tonnes of toys and a dog bed, there’s something about cardboard boxes that entices pets.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Based on the short story written by Manuel Gonzales, The Miniature Wife is a dramedy examining the power (im)balances between spouses after a technological accident induces the ultimate relationship crisis.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
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Bwiti is an animistic practice in which participants consume iboga, a plant that alters consciousness and induces visions, enabling them to communicate with the spirits.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Texas economy has been growing, but that is not the only thing that influences the inflow of potential migrants.—
Mike Schneider,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Araminta inadvertently influences Sophie’s reconnection with Benedict (Luke Thompson) out in the countryside after Sophie’s stepmother sends her packing.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Brainwashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashes. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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