whitewashing Definition
- 1the practice of making something seem more acceptable or less unpleasant by concealing unpleasant facts, especially by presenting only a positive version of it
- 2the act of painting a surface with white paint
Using whitewashing: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whitewashing" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The movie was criticized for whitewashing the main character's ethnicity.
Example
The company was accused of whitewashing its history of labor exploitation.
Example
The walls of the house needed a fresh coat of whitewash.
whitewashing Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for whitewashing
- concealment
- camouflage
- masking
- cover-up
- glossing over
Antonyms for whitewashing
Phrases with whitewashing
to make something seem more appealing or desirable than it really is, especially by deceptive means
Example
The politician tried to whitewash the fence by downplaying the negative aspects of his policies.
Example
The manager tried to whitewash the problem by blaming it on someone else.
Example
The report was criticized for giving the issue a whitewash instead of providing a thorough analysis.
Origins of whitewashing
from the use of whitewash to cover up defects in woodwork or masonry
Summary: whitewashing in Brief
Whitewashing [ˈwaɪtwɒʃɪŋ] refers to the practice of concealing unpleasant facts or presenting only a positive version of something. It can also mean the act of painting a surface with white paint. Examples include 'The movie was criticized for whitewashing the main character's ethnicity' and 'The walls of the house needed a fresh coat of whitewash.' Phrases like 'whitewash the fence' denote making something seem more appealing than it is, while 'whitewash a problem' implies ignoring or concealing an issue.
