whitewash | Definition of whitewash

Synonyms and Antonyms of whitewash

1 to dismiss as of little importance

refused to whitewash the governor's chronic disregard for the truth

Synonyms of whitewash

blink (at), brush (aside or off), condone, discount, disregard, excuse, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, overlook, overpass, paper over, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, wink (at)

Words Related to whitewash

explain, justify, rationalize

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

waive, wave (aside or off)

Phrases Synonymous with whitewash

close one's eyes to, forgive and forget

Near Antonyms of whitewash

heed, mark, mind, note, object (to)

2 to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses

don't try to whitewash your rudeness by claiming that you were having a bad day

Synonyms of whitewash

deodorize, excuse, explain away, extenuate, gloss (over), gloze (over), palliate

Words Related to whitewash

sugarcoat, varnish

apologize, atone, confess

account (for), explain, justify, rationalize

minimize, play down, soft-pedal

alleviate, ease, lessen, lighten, mitigate, moderate, soften, temper

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate