English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word whitewash in English

What does whitewash mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

whitewash

US /ˈwaɪt.wɑːʃ/
UK /ˈwaɪt.wɑːʃ/
"whitewash" picture

Noun

1.

a solution of lime and water or of whiting, size, and water, used for whitening walls and ceilings.

Example:
•
The old cottage was given a fresh coat of whitewash.
•
The walls were covered in a thick layer of whitewash.
Synonym:
limewashdistempercalcimine
2.

a deliberate concealment of an unpleasant or incriminating fact.

Example:
•
The report was criticized as a whitewash of the scandal.
•
Many believed the investigation was a complete whitewash.
Synonym:
cover-upconcealmentsuppressionobfuscationdisguise

Verb

1.

to cover (a wall, ceiling, or building) with whitewash.

Example:
•
They decided to whitewash the entire exterior of the house.
•
The old fence needed to be whitewashed to look new again.
Synonym:
paintcoatcoverbleachlighten
2.

to attempt to conceal unpleasant or incriminating facts about (someone or something).

Example:
•
The government tried to whitewash the corruption scandal.
•
They accused the company of trying to whitewash its environmental record.
Synonym:
cover upconcealsuppressgloss overdownplay
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