green·wash·ing
ˈgrēn-ˌwȯ-shiŋ
-ˌwä-
: the act or practice of making a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is
The practice of greenwashing appears more common as firms attempt to better position themselves in a global marketplace growing more concerned with corporate sustainability.—Timothy W. Aurand et al.
Not only is greenwashing bad for the environment, but it's misleading to consumers who want to invest in products that aren't harmful to the planet.—Jennifer Manfrin
The greenwashing allegation … adds to efforts to heap pressure on some of the world's biggest polluting companies as regulators take an increasing interest in climate change.—William Mathis and Austin Weinstein Bloomberg
A lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.—The Economist
greenwashing
2 of 2present participle of greenwash
Cite this Entry
“Greenwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenwashing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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