washing

present participle of wash
1
as in bathing
to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

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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
4
5
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

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 washing The company’s famous catalog brought everything from washing machines to entire mail-order houses right into American homes. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2025 Breaking Bad actor Raymond Cruz was arrested Monday on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after allegedly spraying someone with a hose while washing his car in front of his home in Los Angeles. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025 And increasing floods linked to climate change are thought to be washing the creatures further and further afield. Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Both had employees not wearing gloves or washing their hands. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • In that case, 33-year-old TJ Hoover woke up in the operating room to find people shaving his chest, bathing his body in surgical solution and talking about harvesting his organs.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Use after showering or bathing for intense hydration from head to toe, leaving skin smooth and supple.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The final result needed to be invisible, weightless, scentless, and makeup-gripping, all of which were achieved with flying colors—actually, with no color at all since the formula is completely clear on all skin tones.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Before flying, check your airline’s website for more details on what’s allowed.
    Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Take the family on this one—kids will have no problem handling the trails and will enjoy splashing in the streams.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Palestine Action has also targeted defense firms in Britain with links to Israel, including shattering windows and splashing red paint on buildings, and occupying roofs.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Increase the resistance on this exercise by wetting the towel first.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Potential for wetting rain exists and could provide additional containment opportunities.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth, always moving in the direction of the grain, before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Mix together 1/3 cup of both vinegar and baking soda in a bowl before pouring down your sink and letting the solution sit for an hour before rinsing with hot water.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Joe Manchin is back to stirring the pot in Washington.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Hurricane season is stirring again after an unusual three-week quiet spell.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the setback, Richardson has been focused on working hard and preparing himself for his next opportunity.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Employers who provide health insurance benefits for the bulk of working-age Americans might choose to enact restrictions.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Sweat dripping from her forehead to the corpse.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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