as in lobbying
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as in convincing
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of brainwashing
Su Cici, Foreign Affairs, 10 May 2016
According to teens who have been rescued from one of these camps, children are being subjected to out-and-out brainwashing.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2024
Even if their minds are someday freed after Putin’s regime collapses, propagandistic brainwashing also takes time to undo.
—Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2024
Coriolanus says this to Katniss in Mockingjay Part 2 after Peeta and other captive victors are extracted from the Capitol, to forewarn of Peeta's brainwashing.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 25 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for brainwashing 
Noun
Back then, the majority of people supported this policy, either from fear, years of brainwashing, or habitual obedience to the government.
—Su Cici, Foreign Affairs, 10 May 2016
According to teens who have been rescued from one of these camps, children are being subjected to out-and-out brainwashing.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2024
Even if their minds are someday freed after Putin’s regime collapses, propagandistic brainwashing also takes time to undo.
—Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2024
Coriolanus says this to Katniss in Mockingjay Part 2 after Peeta and other captive victors are extracted from the Capitol, to forewarn of Peeta's brainwashing.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 25 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for brainwashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwashing
Verb
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Rivers insisted Monday that there are different ways of convincing a team its record is not reflective of its abilities.Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
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In their calculation, their chances of reversing vaccine injury with unsupported, experimental treatments are better than convincing policy makers to care for disabled people.Catherine Tan, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Highly selective gifts for everyone on your list Shop Guest Edit Jennifer Zuccarini’s Favorite Things The founder of Fleur du Mal lingerie and fashion believes in sophisticated seduction and provocative wit.airmail.news, airmail.news, 2 Nov. 2024
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Even worse, his seduction involves telling the truth (though sometimes with unforeseen consequences).Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
Verb
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Look at reader data, and all the work on hard-hitting investigations, carefully considered criticism or stress-inducing breaking news can lose out to the news of a reality TV star bitten by a camel.Craig Nakano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
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And somehow, through fashion, one of the most divisive and shame-inducing fields of production, Women’s History Museum was able to console and uplift.Fiona Alison Duncan, ARTnews.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Real intimacy lies in bringing your beautifully flawed self into the experience.Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
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Nine states from Virginia to Maine are under snow alerts on Christmas Eve morning as a band of snow moves through the Northeast, bringing treacherous driving conditions.Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On a recent morning, around 100 citizens lined up in front of a government truck in Dhaka that was selling oil, rice and vegetables at subsidized rates.Saif Hasnat Atul Loke, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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Chalk through your feeds with ads from people and brands selling their goods.Erik Logan, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The successful outcome for Perpetua Resources is especially impressive given the complex nature of the federal, state, and local permitting process, as well as the work involved in satisfying the concerns of local communities and the Nez Perz Tribe.David Blackmon, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Employees who cultivate relationships at work have a more fun and satisfying experience.Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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So instead of scientific breakthroughs, this campaign has relied on persuading millions of people to change basic behaviors.Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 30 Dec. 2024
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Baldwin staged the play in Istanbul, recruiting Cherry to compose music for it and persuading male actors to take up drag.Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This collaboration bridged industries, generating buzz and attracting high-net-worth buyers.Vincent Gregoire, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
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In 2024, a small number of migrants from Southeast Asian countries also reached the Spanish archipelago, raising concerns that the deadly route, far from deterring them, could be attracting migrants from other continents.Miguel Macias, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashing. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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