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.
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
Jennifer ManfrinThe 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
William Mathis and Austin Weinstein BloombergA lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.—The Economist
The Economistgreenwashing
2 of 2present participle of greenwash
Examples of greenwashing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Beyond the lack of a universal definition, the guide addresses challenges associated with the risks of greenwashing and greenhushing.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
This not only improves transparency but builds trust with stakeholders and investors increasingly wary of greenwashing.
—London Business School, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
What’s more, renewable natural gas is not without its own controversy or accusations of greenwashing.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025
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Noun
These attacks range from bad-faith accusations of greenwashing to campaigns attacking the need for climate disclosures.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Beyond the lack of a universal definition, the guide addresses challenges associated with the risks of greenwashing and greenhushing.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
This not only improves transparency but builds trust with stakeholders and investors increasingly wary of greenwashing.
—London Business School, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
What’s more, renewable natural gas is not without its own controversy or accusations of greenwashing.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenwashing
Cite this Entry
“Greenwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenwashing. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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