WHITEN Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

whiten

verb

ˈ(h)wī-tᵊn

Definition of whiten

as in to bleach

to make white or whiter by removing color years of sunlight had almost completely whitened the flag

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 whiten There’s nothing wrong with adding a filter and whitening your teeth with a click of a button. — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Your smile looks brighter without the oral theatrics of a full whitening system. — Marci Robin, Allure, 19 May 2026 Baking soda is great for whitening and removing stains, and sometimes nothing is tougher than coffee and tea stains left behind on our favorite ceramic mugs. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026 This uses a chemical solution of 2% hydrogen peroxide with the abrasive calcium pyrophosphate to whiten your teeth. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiten

Verb

There have also been concerns over toilet paper that is bleached, as bleaching can create dioxins, and concerns over toilet paper that includes formaldehyde, a carcinogen.

— Jillian Pretzel, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
The researchers first treated the cotton with sodium dithionite, a reducing agent, before bleaching it with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of bleach

Verb

As his memories begin to fade, he's left in a panic, not wanting to lose everything.

— Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
It was designed to give Hawthorne’s fading downtown a boost with three major department stores — JCPenney in addition to the Broadway and Montgomery Ward — as well as numerous shops and a movie theater.

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