whitewash 1 of 2

verb

ˈ(h)wīt-ˌwȯsh How to pronounce whitewash (audio)
Definition of whitewashnext
1
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth

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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

whitewash

2 of 2

noun

1
as in vindication

Related Words
2
as in washout

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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 whitewash
Verb
At the same time, textbooks and museums slowly but surely are eliminating or whitewashing the history of slavery. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026 No longer a hidden gem or best-kept secret, Puglia’s dramatic beaches, Baroque cities, and whitewashed trulli are splashed over many an Instagram feed. — Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
Noun
The Storm defense was impressive, allowing Birmingham to convert only 1 of 13 third-down plays in the whitewash. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 The selection may help the ruling coalition to quiet fears that Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party would install a loyalist to oversee a whitewash. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewash
  1. ignore
  2. excuse
  3. vindication
  4. washout
  5. forgive
  6. justify
  7. rationalization
  8. setback
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • Demings uses the go-to excuse that state legislation bans using the TDT on local projects.
    — Mike Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • She’s been canceled, kidnapped, and bamboozled, happy to tell anyone who’ll listen, and who’ll excuse her typos.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • For Alston, the scale of the effort offers a personal vindication.
    — Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Markets do not pay for eventual intellectual vindication.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • Today will not be a washout, but showers could have an impact on afternoon plans.
    — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026
  • Overnight rainfall coupled with the arrival of storms Saturday means the region could see a washout.
    — Kendrick Calfee June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Definition of washout
Verb
  • Shoppers note that the shorts are roomy and don’t bunch up, and that the elastic waistband is forgiving even while bloated.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, and forgiven debt may have tax implications in some situations.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • Wall Street is increasingly punishing Big Tech companies for spending on AI without profits to justify it.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Thus far, Meta was only monetizing AI through its advertising, which is a great business but can be cyclical and was not enough to justify using all its cash flow.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of justify
Noun
  • One rationalization turned into a system of secrecy.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • None of this makes any sense, except as desperate rationalizations from a man who cannot face facts and admit defeat.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • That is expected to be a setback to Hanwha Ocean, as the contract was estimated to be up to $100 billion over three decades, according to The Korea Times.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Bryant Vincent’s team has teased in each of his first two years in Monroe, starting 3-1 last season before the roof caved in with eight straight setbacks.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of setback

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whitewash
whitewashed
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Cite this Entry

“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of whitewash for Spanish Speakers

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