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
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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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The goal is to understand the seduction of fascism, why so many people fell for Mussolini’s message then, and why so many are falling for a similar message today.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
31 Dec. 2024
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Satan’s seduction of Eve had to define the very idea of what seduction was: an act of irresistible trickery on the part of the seducer; a moral and an intellectual failing on the part of the seduced.—
Merve Emre,
The New Yorker,
16 Dec. 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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Located in the middle of the desert across 22 acres of land, this vibrant wellness destination features a sacred Bath House, rest-inducing Nap Garden & Reflexology Pool, and outdoor treatment rooms to put wellness at the center of your stay.—
Tanya Benedicto Klich,
Forbes,
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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Christmas centers on humility and grace — the birth of a savior in the humblest of settings, bringing a hopeful message of personal redemption and universal love.—
Priscilla Whitehead,
Sun Sentinel,
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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Bottom line For home sellers, 2025 is looking good with many homes commanding higher prices and selling quickly.—
Brendel Hightower,
Detroit Free Press,
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 29 Jan. 2025.
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