washing

Definition of washingnext
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

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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 Beyond porta-potties, the company rents restroom trailers, hand-washing stations and temporary fencing for events, government agencies, and construction and other worksites, says its website. Marcus Dorsey, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026 That said, households with pets, allergies or frequent nighttime sweating may benefit from washing such bedding more often. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 The survey also reveals how consumers are taking steps to help extend the life of their clothes at home by hang drying, using the delicate cycle, treating stains and wearing and washing garments less. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 Another person is seen washing their eyes out with water. Lauren Victory, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for washing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing
Verb
  • Floor to ceiling windows gaze out upon the Dyhólaey peninsula’s beauty while bathing the space in natural light.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Their labor includes essential care for adults like managing medications, coordinating care appointments and assisting with other needs like bathing, dressing and navigating insurance claims, Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP, said during a press briefing on the research.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Fort Collins now has drones flying the city nearly every day as a resource to the police, fire and utilities departments.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Meteor showers such as the Lyrids can be tracked yearly, because the debris flying through the night sky in fiery streaks is coming from the same comet.
    Hali Smith March 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The capsule should then spend the next several days journeying back to Earth, before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on April 10.
    Tom Costello, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That capsule went on a looping trip around the moon that lasted over three weeks and covered over a million miles before splashing back down in the Pacific.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Considerations Before Getting Started Before cleaning your sidewalks, gather some basic safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and protect plants and grass bordering your sidewalk from bleach and cleaners by wetting them down and covering them with plastic sheeting or old towels.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
  • When cleaning your upholstered headboard, avoid over-wetting it.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Raw meat was frozen in trash bags and an employee washed dishes without rinsing them.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • An employee was washing and rinsing dishes.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The moody Moon in your 6th House of Effort opposes fiery Mars in your 12th House of Thoughts, stirring urgency around upcoming deadlines, outdated routines, or daily goals.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • When the ale is nearing a boil, put it in another pitcher, pour it very gradually into the pitcher containing the egg mix, while stirring briskly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And while Harrell continues his rehab, newcomer Cole Gonzales has been working with the first team, along with returner Grayson Loftis, who started seven games last season.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • One player who’s looking forward to working with Corona is freshman Max DeHoyos.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The king hosted a banquet for him in a hall dripping with flowers and gold leaf.
    Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • This is the best that West has ever looked, including every shirtless scene and every time he’s gotten out of the pool dripping wet.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washing. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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