1
as in ignoring
to dismiss as of little importance
refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excusing
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whitewashing
From the whitewashing controversy to the toxic love to the daring costumes, the discourse is going to be discoursing.
—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 13 Feb. 2026
After a public outcry over complaints of whitewashing, A’zion swiftly exited the movie.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 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
But there’s no whitewashing its flaws.
—Rebeccah Heinrichs, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewashing
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 13 Feb. 2026
After a public outcry over complaints of whitewashing, A’zion swiftly exited the movie.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 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
But there’s no whitewashing its flaws.
—Rebeccah Heinrichs, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewashing
Verb
-
Even the wokest of the wokes are ignoring poor Megan.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
Our detailed reporting agitated the government, which went from ignoring our existence to breathing down our necks.—
Abraham Jiménez Enoa,
The Dial,
19 May 2026
Verb
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After excusing herself briefly from the conversation, Patricia returns to find the other guests whispering to Shelby about Patricia’s history of dishonesty about almost being a Boogeyman victim.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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The Appeals Court affirmed his convictions Tuesday and denied his motion for a new trial, overruling claims that there were issues with the judge not excusing a juror for cause and the defense counsel was ineffective.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Hart has previously reflected on his feelings about his father and forgiving him for not being around for his childhood due to his struggles with drug addiction and multiple stints in jail.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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Yet he was also chided for too easily forgiving and embracing those who repented their anti-Jewish remarks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Easily the riskiest entry of the year so far, this expensive — $200 million but who’s counting — Amazon MGM Studios gamble, powered by Ryan Gosling’s star turn as a lonely astronaut, has made $573 million globally, justifying its steep costs.—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
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Quiet-luxury proponents would often speak of frequency of use and cost per wear in justifying a four-figure black wool sweater.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The pool sits on a sprawling terrace, overlooking the sea for maximum tranquility.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
14 May 2026
-
Continue to Totem Bight State Historical Park, where totems rise from a rainforest overlooking the Tongass Narrows.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Rock and dance music defenders alike have reached for their pitchforks, but Charli isn’t interested in debating or explaining the song to them.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2026
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The dramatic trailer opens with Ty introducing himself in a TikTok video and explaining why he was barricaded in his room.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewashing. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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