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
Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
This sparked criticism that the film was attempting to whitewash history by largely ignoring the controversies of Jackson's life.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
More recently, in November and December, the U.S. completed a commanding whitewash in the four-match Rivalry Series, outscoring their opponents 24-7, including a 10-4 victory.
—Reuters, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Verb
Critics accuse it of trying to whitewash the nation’s history.
—Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
This sparked criticism that the film was attempting to whitewash history by largely ignoring the controversies of Jackson's life.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
The walls are cracked, and their whitewash has faded to gray.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
More recently, in November and December, the U.S. completed a commanding whitewash in the four-match Rivalry Series, outscoring their opponents 24-7, including a 10-4 victory.
—Reuters, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewash
Verb
-
That’s how Ciara found out that Amanda was spending so much time at West’s house while ignoring her calls.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
-
Chow's son testified that the gun was pointed at him, and defense lawyer Shaun Kent said during his closing argument that Cyrus ignored Chow telling him to put it down.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Travolta never asks the audience to excuse Tony’s uglier qualities.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
28 May 2026
-
Casey Schmitt can be excused for failing to catch Ketel Marte’s fifth-inning fly ball during the Giants’ 6-2 loss Monday.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
The Knicks’ recent success and the possibility of a championship this year are perhaps Dolan’s long overdue vindication.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
-
Two reversals and a vindication For the OpenAI CEO, his comments walk back his prophecy on AI’s impact on labor.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Last weekend's Coke 600 was a washout from start to finish.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
While not a washout like the past weekend, keep your umbrella on standby as passing showers and storms will be moving through the area during the first half of the day.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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But Camilla and William are reportedly not the type to forgive and forget.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
31 May 2026
-
Texas State wasn’t as forgiving.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The screaming headlines followed by the official oops that came in the wake of the announcement of the 1996 Mars rock is something scientists are justified in wanting to keep off their resumes.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
1 June 2026
-
Perhaps the Thunder would see the upside of a SGA-Giannis-J-Dub core as justifying the risk of cutting down their depth to that extent.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Eventually, rationalization sets in.—
Bill Oldham,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Although the Mughals mainly incorporated the existing Indian revenue system, Akbar’s reign also saw the rationalization of revenue administration, notably under the Hindu minister Todar Mal, with systematic land measurement and assessment that balanced imperial income with agrarian stability.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Putin has increasingly faced setbacks on the battlefield as a Ukrainian drone strike campaign disrupts critical logistics routes and public support at home wanes.—
Jane Lytvynenko,
NBC news,
6 June 2026
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One of the most frightening setbacks came when Asher developed an MRSA bloodstream infection that originated in his port — the device connected to his heart that allows doctors to administer treatment.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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