BRAINWASH Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

brainwash

verb

Definition of brainwash

as in to convince

to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners. Does advertising brainwash children?

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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 brainwash But the college plot soon recommences, and the Duffys eventually speak with a Harvard chaplain who, to some extent, is able to allay their anxieties about brainwashing. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 How many people were brainwashed into showing up for a riot and then imprisoned for their actions over an idea that was never really theirs? — Will Cady, SPIN, 30 July 2026 Ferrell instead starred as the villainous mogul Jacobim Mugatu, who attempts to brainwash Derek into assassinating the prime minister of Malaysia. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 But after discovering that Cady and Nevaeh had been using a drug on Zack to brainwash him, Anna opts to fight fire with fire by planting drugs in Cady’s house and placing an anonymous call to CrimeStoppers. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026 People who vote for MAGA Republicans are mentally challenged and brainwashed. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 Society has brainwashed us for decades into bottling our emotions, saying less, not rocking the boat, and just carrying so much on our shoulders. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 The siblings had been brainwashed, abused and groomed while growing up in a cult led by Bernie Hoffman, an apocalyptic preacher and false prophet known to the world as Tony Alamo. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 What, are you being brainwashed by communists? — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwash

Verb

For good measure, Pabst’s social media updates took a tongue-in-cheek approach that may have actually convinced people the posts were more playful than actual pleas for help.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Greyson said nearly five decades of studying near-death experiences has convinced him there is probably something after death.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

Verb

But persuading other American companies to follow Chevron into Venezuela remains one of Washington’s biggest challenges.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Proponents may face an uphill battle persuading Newsom to sign the bill, which creates a unique revenue stream to pay for the program.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

In the spot, shared exclusively with THR, Hansen enters his familiar hunting ground, a kitchen, and delivers a variation on his dread-inducing catchphrase.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Those changes could affect cytokines, proteins that can induce changes in the endothelial cells lining blood vessel walls.

— Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of induce

Verb

The Moon enters Aries and your 11th House of Friends, Community, and Future Plans, bringing energy to invitations, brainstorms, and shared goals.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Brooks Lee hit a two-run home run and Kody Clemens had a solo home run, bringing the Twins within 4-3.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of bring

Verb

The case has attracted attention because Wisconsin courts have not fully resolved whether the public may walk along Great Lakes beaches below the ordinary high-water mark.

— Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Maxwel Cornet, whose last competitive outing for West Ham was against Crystal Palace in April 2024, failed to attract interest.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of attract

Verb

The high-concept thriller stars Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as a demonic character called The Stranger, who entices a young mother played by Jasmine Trinca into forging a Faustian pact.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
All of this casts doubt on whether the event will pull the kind of star power that entices TV networks to break their regular prime-time programming and compel viewers to skip an NFL game to tune in.

— Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

Physical activity, blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, social isolation, sleep, nutrition, stress management and recovery can all influence our long-term health.

— Mick Safron, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
In the 19th century, flamenco dancers began using the abanico as an expressive prop, as Cuban song and dance styles such as the guajira influenced the dance form.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

Meanwhile, a federal judge on Wednesday rejected the Justice Department's push to force Google to sell its ad exchange, another victory for the company against the government's antitrust efforts.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
This Paige Shoulder Bag is selling like hot cakes, so much so that the baby blue style is already sold out.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of sell

Browse Nearby Words

brainteasers

brainwash

brainwashed

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“Brainwash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwash. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of brainwash

verb

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