1
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance
refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
1
as in vindication
Related Words
2
as in washout
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 whitewash
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
The danger signals were already there from the warm-up whitewash in India just a few weeks ago where England were barely competitive.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Time, 17 June 2025
Dukas / Universal Images Group via Getty Images file
Nottoway, a former sugar plantation, has been criticized for whitewashing the past.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Verb
The season after raising the Cup finds the Cats 37-24 and on three-game win streak after Saturday’s 3-0 whitewash of Calgary on top of a 4-3 win over Edmonton in a Cup Final rematch.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
The danger signals were already there from the warm-up whitewash in India just a few weeks ago where England were barely competitive.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
In fact, state efforts to whitewash history can inadvertently create opportunities for activists to push narratives in the opposite direction—expanding, rather than narrowing, how slavery and its long legacies are conceived and discussed.
—Time, 17 June 2025
Dukas / Universal Images Group via Getty Images file
Nottoway, a former sugar plantation, has been criticized for whitewashing the past.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitewash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whitewash
Verb
-
But Eufy is way more similar to my former dogs Biff and Frank, who generally ignored me and went about their own business.—
David McGrath,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
Remember, ignoring these signals can lead to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
None of that, however, excuses the silly and juvenile behavior of the Assembly’s majority Democrats last week when the chamber took up a resolution commemorating Pride month.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
3 July 2025
-
Students who cannot get to school and have bus stops are on a list provided by district officials can get absences excused Thursday and Friday.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Now, while the verdict is mixed, Combs can claim some vindication on being cleared of the most serious charges.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
2 July 2025
-
Grant would surely see this as vindication of his thesis: Canada has abandoned its traditional identity in favor of a Canadian copy of America’s Ellis Island narrative.—
Zack Beauchamp,
Vox,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
This year could be a washout for the stock market due to lofty tariffs, but 2026 could mark a return to new highs, according to the Wells Fargo Investment Institute.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
11 June 2025
-
Rain is set to continue in the Northeast on Thursday as New York City, Boston and Buffalo can expect a washout as the late-season nor'easter moves north along the coast.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Quynh eventually learns to forgive Andy and move past their issues because of her newfound mortality.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
3 July 2025
-
And the nation could be forgiven for wanting to take a collective shower.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
-
What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Nearly 32,000 prose rationalizations poured from the research.—
Tor Constantino,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Wholesale distribution has been particularly impacted by the rationalization plan of the company.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Most people let setbacks crush them, replaying the pain on repeat while missing the hidden power of learning from them.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Work on Barca’s stadium has already suffered several setbacks, with an original return date of November 2024 long since passed.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share