1
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance
refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to excuse
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
don't try to whitewash your rudeness by claiming that you were having a bad day
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in vindication
Related Words
2
as in washout
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of whitewash
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Odessa A'zion is dropping out of a film project just two days after her involvement was announced, citing a whitewashing controversy that took over social media.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2025
With a professional tour record of 6–0 over Australian sides, the Lions now aim to secure a 3–0 series whitewash on Australian soil for the first time since 1974.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Verb
This piece combines a supporting character palette with a leading lady frame to make something perfect for those who have a hankering to whitewash but know better.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Odessa A'zion is dropping out of a film project just two days after her involvement was announced, citing a whitewashing controversy that took over social media.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
By the afternoon, the sun broke through, 4-to 6-foot surf giving the surfers plenty of opportunities, at times the whitewash so powerful water licked the bottom of the concrete pier.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2025
With a professional tour record of 6–0 over Australian sides, the Lions now aim to secure a 3–0 series whitewash on Australian soil for the first time since 1974.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewash
Verb
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Still, even inside the awards-season bubble, the turmoil surrounding the movie business, the country and the world beyond it was hard to ignore.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
They're exhausted by the constant airing of grievances having little to do with what's actually going on in the country, and by the broad generalizations about, well, everything, that ignore context, nuance and facts to promote a political viewpoint.—
Brenda Looper,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
But opportunists in a crowd don’t excuse reckless governance.—
Melissa Derosa,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The report provides vindication for economists like Apollo’s Torsten Slok, who have stayed bullish despite widespread pessimism.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
For the team at Skyfall, the exchange served as a vindication, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to out-engineer the Russians in one of the most crucial weapons in this war.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There is no major washout or concern for burn scar areas.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
This comes amid a debate on the right over what themes to stress to avoid a GOP washout in November.—
The Wall Street Journal,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Part of this is internal, forgiving any part of yourself that feels bad for holding on to the hurt and comforting the younger version of yourself that is still alive inside you and vividly feeling that hurt.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
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Englander still hasn’t forgiven Lappe for eliminating him and Sherman Oaks Little League in the 2023 regional playoffs.—
Eric Sondheimer
Columnist
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Tesla has worked to secure millions in state and local funding for its Semi, while many in the trucking industry question whether the vehicle’s uneven development timeline justifies such heavy public investment.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Those documents will reveal the grounds the federal government used to justify the FBI’s seizure of 2020 election records last month.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Whether that’s a reality or a rationalization will only be known once the hire materializes.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
-
But in almost secure ones, minor discomfort is so chronic that people slip into rationalization.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Singer Evan Dando, founder of the alternative-rock band the Lemonheads, was hospitailzed Thursday after sending a fan unwanted pornography, the latest in a long series of setbacks for the musician, who has struggled with mental illness and substance abuse for decades.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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The bill would allow local authorities to determine things like setback standards, shadow flicker standards and sound limitations, but only within certain ranges set by the bill.—
Cami Koons,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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