as in to bleach
to make white or whiter by removing color
years of sunlight had almost completely whitened the flag
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Pairs that make the cut are cleaned from the sole upward, disinfected inside and, in some cases, whitened under UV light before being put back into circulation.
—
ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Use vinegar as a bleach-free alternative to whiten your whites.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
Dioxins are a chemical by-product of the bleaching process to whiten cotton, and they are associated with cancer and endocrine disruption.
—Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026
The files include jokey exchanges and emails planning visits to Epstein properties, teeth-whitening appointments and shopping trips.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiten
ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Use vinegar as a bleach-free alternative to whiten your whites.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
Dioxins are a chemical by-product of the bleaching process to whiten cotton, and they are associated with cancer and endocrine disruption.
—Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026
The files include jokey exchanges and emails planning visits to Epstein properties, teeth-whitening appointments and shopping trips.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiten
Verb
-
She was also reportedly seen bleaching the inside of her car.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
However, it should be noted that down should not be bleached or washed with fabric softener.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Between items that are dated and faded, here are a handful of outdoor decor pieces that designers say are always eyesores.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
-
Public conversation centers on politics, blame, and strategy, while children fade into the background.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Other plants, like succulents and flowers, can help brighten up the space.—
Farima Ferguson,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The filmmakers have lightened and brightened their source material to a kid-friendly degree — even the English countryside, as glisteningly shot by George Steel, has never looked less overcast.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whiten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiten. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
