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.wɒʃ/

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

Example:

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The old cottage was given a fresh coat of whitewash.

•

The walls were covered in a thick layer of whitewash.

Synonym:

limewash distemper calcimine

a deliberate concealment of an unpleasant or incriminating fact.

Example:

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The report was criticized as a whitewash of the scandal.

•

Many believed the investigation was a complete whitewash.

Synonym:

cover-up concealment suppression obfuscation disguise

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

Example:

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They decided to whitewash the entire exterior of the house.

•

The old fence needed to be whitewashed to look new again.

Synonym:

paint coat cover bleach lighten

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

Example:

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The government tried to whitewash the corruption scandal.

•

They accused the company of trying to whitewash its environmental record.

Synonym:

cover up conceal suppress gloss over downplay