brainwashing 1 of 2

noun

Definition of brainwashingnext
as in lobbying

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brainwashing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brainwash
as in convincing
to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners. Does advertising brainwash children?

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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 brainwashing
Noun
Hale connects that story to another tale that took place in the same wilderness twenty years earlier—a story of a cult, brainwashing, teenage prophets, and murder. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 Conspiracies and brainwashing In Argentina, there was the troubling disappearance of five-year-old Loan Peña in Corrientes province. — Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
But the college plot soon recommences, and the Duffys eventually speak with a Harvard chaplain who, to some extent, is able to allay their anxieties about brainwashing. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 Maurice is convinced that Tall Pines is brainwashing teens and then sending them to who-knows-where to work as spies. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brainwashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwashing
  1. lobbying
  2. convincing
  3. influencing
  4. inducing
  5. seduction
  6. bringing
  7. selling
  8. satisfying
Noun
  • For some organizations, such as the Association for Accessible Medicines, an increase in lobbying spending is the result of a concerted effort to flex their advocacy muscle.
    — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The organization built a political presence in Texas with lobbying and legislative testimony as the state pushed back on transgender ideology in recent years.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of lobbying
Verb
  • In Knox, Clark has spent much of this school year convincing those families to complete their meal applications.
    — Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The two have been tasked with convincing Prince William to reconcile with Harry, which won’t be easy.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of convincing
Noun
  • Suleiman Sami’s business, S Sami Services LLC, provides transportation services, event ticket sales and social media influencing.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • When students graduate, they'll be prepared for roles in content strategy, digital influencing, brand development, social media management and audience engagement across industries.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of influencing
Verb
  • Mattresses and linens are unsurprisingly comfortable—the Langham’s bedding has, after all, become synonymous with inducing deep slumbers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The show ran for four seasons and established the deadpan, cringe-inducing style that has become his signature today.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of inducing
Noun
  • Neill performed the same From Russia With Love seduction scene Brolin had tackled four years earlier.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With eight episodes featuring Williams alongside Carrie-Anne Moss, Clark Backo, Noah Reid, and more, fans are in for secrets, seduction, folklore, and the supernatural.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of seduction
Verb
  • Heidi Rackliffe, Avec’s chief program officer, was bringing her team in on weekends to call everybody back.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • By bringing a familiar nameplate into the electric era, VW has a chance to make the transition feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like buying the next version of a car people already understand.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of bringing
Verb
  • SpaceX would be awarding nearly half of its future earnings to Tesla’s selling shareholders.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Tesla’s letter to investors says its flat revenues were due to lower average selling prices, selling fewer cars, not receiving as much in credits, and also the decline of its energy storage business.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of selling
Verb
  • The crispy coating had that perfect, satisfying crunch, giving way to juicy meat packed with salt and seasoning without being overly greasy.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In true dump cake style, add all ingredients to create a pumpkin filling and top with boxed yellow cake mix and butter to create a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for holidays and weeknights.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of satisfying

Browse Nearby Words

brainwashes
brainwashing
brain wave
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Cite this Entry

“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashing. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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