as in failing
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in collapsing
to be unsuccessful
most of the participants in the tough training program washed out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bleaching
to make white or whiter by removing color
the bright lights of the TV studio washed out her facial features, making her look as white as a ghost
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wearing
to use up all the physical energy of
that last illness washed the child out completely
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rinsing
to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse
wash out your bathing suit in the sink
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of washing-out
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Andrew Tate is not washing out.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026
Tiny water droplets can scatter light, washing out the vivid reds and oranges.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
That's it—no waiting and washing out required.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Helene caused catastrophic damage across western North Carolina, washing out roads including stretches of Interstate 40 that collapsed into the Pigeon River Gorge, damaging bridges and isolating entire communities.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2026
Dallas’ defense has been bad on third downs, washing out a resurgent Dak Prescott season (second in passing yards and third in passing touchdowns).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
But his tendency to swing and miss puts him at risk of washing out.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025
This October, a full supermoon has graced our skies, washing out the Draconid meteor shower.
—Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
Slow watering also prevents damage to the plants and protects the soil from washing out.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Andrew Tate is not washing out.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026
Tiny water droplets can scatter light, washing out the vivid reds and oranges.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
That's it—no waiting and washing out required.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Helene caused catastrophic damage across western North Carolina, washing out roads including stretches of Interstate 40 that collapsed into the Pigeon River Gorge, damaging bridges and isolating entire communities.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2026
Dallas’ defense has been bad on third downs, washing out a resurgent Dak Prescott season (second in passing yards and third in passing touchdowns).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
But his tendency to swing and miss puts him at risk of washing out.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025
This October, a full supermoon has graced our skies, washing out the Draconid meteor shower.
—Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing-out
Adjective
-
The state graded the campus an F for three consecutive years, meaning two more failing grades could trigger an intervention.—
Noah Alcala Bach,
San Antonio Express-News,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Because of his show’s cancellation, a wormhole opened up backstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater, collapsing the space between his Strike Force Five co-hosts.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
22 May 2026
-
Seattle’s economy, far from collapsing, continued to boom.—
Nick Hanauer,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Justine Skye took this mousy brown look to the next level by bleaching her brows to match.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
22 May 2026
-
She was also reportedly seen bleaching the inside of her car.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sometimes foot pain really does come down to wearing completely flat sandals on repeat, and this pair feels like a smarter swap.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2026
-
Vargas plans on wearing sunglasses Sunday.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Vulcano About an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
Not to mention that, in the cabin, the only person doing the dishes and rinsing out everyone’s beer cans for the recycling was the ostensibly famous lead singer—the only woman, natch.—
Dan Kois,
Pitchfork,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Complete your outdoor overhaul with more favorite patio furniture finds below, including a warm wooden deck box that doubles as a bench, a cocoon-like lounger that gently rocks, and a folding Adirondack chair that’s actually comfortable.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 May 2026
-
Their laundry room was filled with bright colors and ample folding space.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Meyer gave up just three hits and walked two while striking out six over six shutout innings to continue a stellar start to the season.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
-
Betts collected one hit in his five at-bats Monday, striking out with a runner on third in the third inning to stifle one of the Dodgers’ early chances against Giants starter Trevor McDonald.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
There had been concern that these houses would not appreciate at the same rate as traditional homes, but that appears to be fading.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
-
Even Nyro’s piano playing seems to shift in and out of focus, drawing our attention to the pregnant pause of a note fading in a quiet room.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Washing-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing-out. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
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