1
as in rinsing
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
use this cleaner to flush the drain in the sink
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in blushing
to develop a rosy facial color (as from excitement or embarrassment)
he flushed deeply upon hearing the compliment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flushing
Finding the right green brought its own challenges as the team had to find a color that would not only neutralize redness, but also work on all skin tones—even people who didn’t have flushing or redness, blending into the skin without leaving Elphaba-like traces behind.
—
Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Cabin crews also get frustrated by passengers flushing inappropriate items, like wet wipes, which clog airplane toilets.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
In fact, one of the most common triggers of rosacea, which is characterized by flushing, swelling, spider veins, papules, and pustules, is exposure to sunlight.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025
But to see the water swirl around the bowl as the flushing sound was made?
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Nix operated well on the move on a few plays, but threw two interceptions while flushing himself from the pocket.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025
Wet the stains in the toilet bowl by flushing.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
David Katz, a former DEA special agent, told Fox News Digital that the contamination could have come from someone flushing a large amount of drugs to evade authorities.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
At the end, a flushing lock will send any remaining larval fish and eggs back downstream.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Cabin crews also get frustrated by passengers flushing inappropriate items, like wet wipes, which clog airplane toilets.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
In fact, one of the most common triggers of rosacea, which is characterized by flushing, swelling, spider veins, papules, and pustules, is exposure to sunlight.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025
But to see the water swirl around the bowl as the flushing sound was made?
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Nix operated well on the move on a few plays, but threw two interceptions while flushing himself from the pocket.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025
Wet the stains in the toilet bowl by flushing.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
David Katz, a former DEA special agent, told Fox News Digital that the contamination could have come from someone flushing a large amount of drugs to evade authorities.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
At the end, a flushing lock will send any remaining larval fish and eggs back downstream.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flushing
Verb
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In fact, rinsing again can increase the risk of cross-contamination from your sink, hands, or utensils.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
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In addition to rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after use to remove any remaining bacteria and debris, experts suggest replacing it every three to four months.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The kid wore birthday glasses and shook his head at each shot, blushing.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
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The blushing hue works well with neutrals and bold colors alike, bringing a cheerful spin to any room.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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These jokes revolved around the idea of misusing objects, like putting food on their heads, and pretend play like washing hands without soap or water.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Regularly washing your sheets is crucial in maintaining sleep hygiene, and some approaches to washing sheets are more effective than others.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Inside, the minimalist lobby doubles as a gallery, and the in-house restaurant, The Hive, is dripping with sculptures of glowing honeycombs, kudzu vines, and swarms of bees.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
15 Sep. 2025
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The mural, which took nearly three years to complete, features glowing, starry skies punctuated by larger-than-life characters and magical landscapes that don’t exist in our realm.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
AFAR Media,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flushing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flushing. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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