WASHING Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

washing

verb

Definition of washing

present participle of wash

as in bathing

to flow along or against crystal-clear waters gently wash the island's unspoiled beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

as in splashing

to flow in a broken irregular stream soapy water washing down the drain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wetting

to make wet rain washed the countryside for days on end

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rinsing

to pour liquid over or through in order to cleanse washed the baby's hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Airbnb guests can say goodbye to checkout chores like washing dishes, stripping beds and taking out the trash under a new policy announced this week. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 An employee handled dirty utensils and dishes with gloves on and later handled clean dishes with those same gloves without washing hands in between. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 In addition to vaccination, Public Health recommended that residents take preventive measures such as washing their hands frequently, staying home when sick and wearing masks when experiencing symptoms. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The filter also makes the page look like a poster left too long in the sun, washing it out and reducing contrast compared to monochrome e-readers. — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 Restore towels by washing them with 1 cup of white vinegar and half the usual detergent, and avoid fabric softener. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2026 Reservoirs have already fallen perilously low -- with one lake so dry this year that a small town nearby let its Little League field go dry and temporarily forbade residents from washing cars or watering lawns. — Hannah Knowles The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026 Everyday actions generate billions of these nanoparticles, Yan noted, from washing a load of laundry to reheating a dish in the microwave. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Someone else touched a cellphone, then went back to handling food without changing gloves or washing hands. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for washing

Verb

White’s lyrics are bittersweet pinpricks, his keening vocals already in mourning of childhood’s end—of responsibility, of bathing yourself, in so many words, knowledge of death.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Beyond the football field, Brown now needed help with personal tasks, including bathing and dressing.

— Bella Armstrong, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of bathing

Verb

Reporting from Tel Aviv Shlomit Ofir is one of the many Israelis flying in from abroad to cast their votes in today’s election.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
The Air Force puts the missile’s range at approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), allowing aircraft to launch it from a considerable distance rather than flying directly over hostile territory.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of flying

Verb

That’s because new data says boomers are splashing their cash on vacations instead of setting it aside for future generations.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The four astronauts returned safely to Earth on April 10, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego after nearly 10 days in space.

— Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of splashing

Verb

Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.

— Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of wetting

Verb

Add 1 cup orzo and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Andrew Durand, with his handsome crab-apple features, makes a perfectly quizzical Benjamin; Kelsee Kimmel is stirring as his true love, who shares his age just once.

— Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Still, something unexpected may force you to try a different method, schedule, or approach that ends up working better.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
The association and Special Olympics Illinois are working together so down the road, more Special Olympians will be inducted.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026