brainwash

verb

Definition of brainwashnext
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
  1. convince
  2. persuade
  3. induce
  4. bring
  5. attract
  6. entice
  7. influence
  8. sell
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
  • Reacher and Green run into a hotel and persuade the staff to lock the doors, claiming there’s an active shooter outside.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In March, one of DraftKings’ cofounders, Matthew Kalish, stepped down as president—but not before persuading the board to approve a series of potentially lucrative deals to benefit his new marketing company.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 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
  • In contrast, Anthropic's Claude experienced stronger growth in key markets, particularly in the US, where its coding and deep research capabilities have attracted an increasing number of users.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The other clock hiding inside it The TC001 has attracted an enthusiastic home-automation following because it can be used with AWTRIX, an open-source firmware and ecosystem designed around small LED matrix displays.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of attract
Verb
  • The bet is that the interesting content will entice fans around the world and grow the series’ audience as the debut of its second season draws near.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When Idrissa Gueye’s pass to Vitalii Mykolenko entices Curtis Jones to press the left-back, Dewsbury-Hall and McNeil spot the space behind Ibrahima Konate and attack it.
    — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of entice
Verb
  • All 350 potential scenarios are tailor-made, and some are influenced by real events, from both sides of the political divide.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is a lot of money to be made in the influencing industry.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of influence
Verb
  • The Yellow Affair has also sold Árru to international territories including Angel Distribution (Denmark), Bíó Paradís (Iceland), Filmwelt (Germany, Austria), Fivia (Ex-Yugoslavia), Otaku Mtü (Baltics), Palace (Australia / New Zealand).
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Tatcha’s top three stock keeping units today include its $74 Dewy Skin Cream, one jar of which is sold every 30 seconds, as well as the lightweight Water Cream and Rice Wash face wash, priced at $74 and $40, respectively.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of sell

Browse Nearby Words

brainteasers
brainwash
brainwashed
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Cite this Entry

“Brainwash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwash. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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