whitewash 1 of 2

verb

ˈ(h)wīt-ˌwȯsh How to pronounce whitewash (audio)
Definition of whitewashnext
Enter your own sentence containing whitewash , and get words to replace it.
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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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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

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whitewash

2 of 2

noun

1
as in vindication

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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
Accusations of ‘whitewashing’ This year’s conference events took place at Miami Beach’s swanky Faena Hotel and Faena Forum. — Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025 Without real home advantage, the odds are again skewed towards the Men in Blue who looked in good shape after whitewashing England in their three-match series. — Tim Ellis, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
This was total obliteration too, a three-nil whitewash that was clinical and composed. — Tim Ellis, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Darts finals have been won more handsomely — the sport’s all-time great Phil Taylor dished out three 7-0 whitewashes in his heyday — but not like this. — Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025 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
  • The Israeli prime minister ignores the views of the majority of his people.
    — Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Issues with citations and publisher control The CJR researchers also uncovered evidence suggesting some AI tools ignored Robot Exclusion Protocol settings, which publishers use to prevent unauthorized access.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • A lot of students were aspiring actors: One week three people in my class were excused early to audition for the same Nickelodeon TV show.
    — Mara Wilson, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Teachers who object for reasons of religion or conscience can be excused and replaced with a substitute reader.
    — Peter Greene, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • In 2018, after signing with the Red Sox and becoming an All-Star but before helping to lead the team to another World Series title, Martinez was asked about his slow free agency and whether his current season was some sort of vindication.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In a press release their lawyers welcomed the ruling as a long-overdue vindication.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • Rohit Sharma’s team are the only unit that have gained three wins from three, although there have been three washouts in the tournament which has prevented South Africa and the Baggy Greens from the possibility of matching them.
    — Tim Ellis, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Jim has been saying Nvidia shares need a washout event and alluded to that in an X post Friday.
    — Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of washout
Verb
  • You would be forgiven for mistaking the Slim, at a glance, for the original model.
    — Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Known more as a producer of top-end future-NBA talent like Ben Simmons, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and current Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, you’d be forgiven for thinking the prep school even cared about track and field.
    — Cory Mull, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • Many are wondering how this happened and how it can possibly be justified.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Hamas and Hezbollah indoctrinate hatred to justify its attacks on Jewish civilians, including woman [sic], children and the elderly.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of justify
Noun
  • Not surprisingly, reporting struggles abound and are only exacerbated by boards which tolerate excuse-making and blame-shifting rationalizations.
    — Noah Barsky, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Since the rationalization for dropping the case was that this would allow Adams to support Trump’s immigration-law enforcement policies, the deal smacks of a quid pro quo in which the president seeks to maintain leverage over the mayor.
    — The Editors, National Review, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • With Starship, the recent failures are a significant setback.
    — Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The big picture: The high court's eventual decision could deal a major setback to the LGBTQ+ community, which the executive branch has already targeted with an executive order blitz that undermines protections and quality of life for transgender people.
    — Ina Fried, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of setback

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Cite this Entry

“Whitewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whitewash. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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