BRUSHING Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

brushing 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of brush

as in flowing

to move or proceed smoothly and readily a pop star brushing past a crowd of autograph seekers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brushing

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of brush

as in kissing

to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing spiderwebs brushed her cheek as she walked through the basement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 brushing

Verb

The Child Mind Institute notes that losing a close friendship can be emotionally painful for young people, and urges adults to take those experiences seriously rather than brushing them off. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 All residents and other property owners who have experienced water outages, low water pressure, or both, are advised to boil all water or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food or brushing their teeth, the news release said. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026 The brand describes the formula as peroxide-free and positions the 460 nm visible blue light, PAP toothpaste and light-guiding brush head as one whitening system used during brushing. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Researchers filmed 98 young adults brushing to the best of their ability. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 Repeat with the remaining burgers, brushing the skillet or griddle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 That is why fans describe it as a nostalgic recall of a backyard garden, summer afternoons watering plants or brushing against tomato vines. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 The company positions it more as at-home diagnostic technology than brushing guidance. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 Taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brushing

Verb

The administration may find other creative ways to get more diesel flowing to the market.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Money is instead flowing into safer corners of the market such as healthcare and consumer staples, such as Club name Kimberly-Clark .

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

The trailer begins as Ziegler’s Mae frantically asks family friend Benny, played by a sleepy Rob Lowe, for help after her big mistake — kissing the wrong brother between Graham Phillips’ Andrew and Elias Kacavas’ Theo.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Shortly after, Lara said her friend was kissing the man near a wall before the pair disappeared.

— Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of kissing

Verb

With a pair of real horns, one of them plays the bull by gliding toward the fuchsia bullfighting cape.

— Eyder Peralta, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
The Rangers announced the devastating news on Saturday following a scary injury in which the 30-year-old’s right skate jammed into the post while gliding across his crease in the first period.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of gliding

Verb

Some top sellers in personal care include the cult classic Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner sets, Gilette's clean-shaving ComfortGlide razors, and Colgate Optic White toothpaste for a brighter smile.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
After finally shaving his beard off, Colbert concluded the interview by gifting Kimmel something special from his show.

— Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

With primary colors and winter gear Wondering how to avoid sliding across the sidewalk or catching a cold and still stay fashionable in extreme weather conditions?

— Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2026
The rooms Every single one of the 75 rooms is ocean-facing, with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors framing the view, and leading to private terraces perched above the mangroves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of sliding

Verb

Plush toys have long served as soft zero-g indicators for spaceflight missions, drifting freely to signal the instant a spacecraft enters weightlessness.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Stewart complained about the chain’s merchandising and quality control, and Kmart was drifting toward financial trouble.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of drifting

Verb

One company might allow isolating employee endpoints automatically but require human approval before touching production.

— Asaf Wiener, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Two employees did not wash their hands and/or change gloves in between touching personal phones and going back to food preparation.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026