brainwashing 1 of 2

noun

Definition of brainwashingnext
as in lobbying

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brainwashing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brainwash
as in convincing
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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Dissimilar 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 brainwashing
Noun
Hale connects that story to another tale that took place in the same wilderness twenty years earlier—a story of a cult, brainwashing, teenage prophets, and murder. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 Conspiracies and brainwashing In Argentina, there was the troubling disappearance of five-year-old Loan Peña in Corrientes province. — Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
Maurice is convinced that Tall Pines is brainwashing teens and then sending them to who-knows-where to work as spies. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brainwashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwashing
  1. lobbying
  2. convincing
  3. influencing
  4. inducing
  5. seduction
  6. bringing
  7. selling
  8. satisfying
Noun
  • Nonprofit experts told the Herald/Times earlier this year that the foundation’s actions could jeopardize its tax-exempt status because of the strict restrictions on how nonprofits can engage in politics or lobbying.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The lobbying and advocacy firm’s clients includes groups like the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition and the Apartment Association of North Carolina.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of lobbying
Verb
  • For example, our research shows adult children caring for a parent may struggle with convincing their parents to change their diet.
    — Minakshi Raj, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
  • Yet, the company has spent years convincing audiences that the room is everything from a Greek island and gym-bro garage to the very furthest reaches of the cosmos.
    — Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Definition of convincing
Noun
  • Nicolas Matthew Scelfo of Brooklyn, New York, faces up to 10 years in prison after being charged with influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal officer by threat.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026
  • Seven states have now passed legislation to regulate family influencing, but these laws mostly just ensure that parents set aside a percentage of earnings to compensate their children.
    — Kristen Martin, The Atlantic, 13 May 2026
Definition of influencing
Verb
  • Bauers can take advantage of the drool-inducing matchup and hit a home run at nifty +364 odds.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • In the suit, WBD accuses Amazon of intentional interference with contractual relations; inducing breach of contract; intentional interference with prospective economic advantage; and unfair competition in violation of California law.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 July 2026
Definition of inducing
Noun
  • Wallen specializes in whiskey-drunk seductions to skeptical girls who can’t resist his charms.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • Circe trades seduction for something darker When Odysseus’ men encounter Circe in Homer’s poem, the goddess drugs them and turns them into pigs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of seduction
Verb
  • Two more men with stab wounds related to the incident were found at a hospital, according to Smith, bringing the total victim count to five.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • Rekindling the product-first focus may mean bringing that fire to only some devices, like foldables or glasses, while creating small, passionate groups that can bypass the institutional inertia of the larger organization.
    — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of bringing
Verb
  • And while there are still comic artists and writers at small tables signing and sketching, and dealers selling original art out of binders in crates, a good chunk of the space is occupied by media and toy companies, trying to outdo one another.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • My last job happened to be as a door-to-door salesman selling welcome mats.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of selling
Verb
  • Dessert is a simple but satisfying vanilla or chocolate soft serve (or a swirl).
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • It couldn't be determined whether the firm was satisfying its margin calls through the sales.
    — David Faber, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of satisfying

Browse Nearby Words

brainwashes
brainwashing
brain wave
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Cite this Entry

“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashing. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brainwashing

Nglish: Translation of brainwashing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brainwashing

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