What does whitewashing mean?
Whitewashing is a word that can describe either an ordinary physical act or a much more consequential social and political maneuver. Literally, it means painting a surface white, often with the intention of making it look clean, bright, or renewed. Figuratively, it refers to clearing someone or something of blame by ignoring evidence, softening facts, or presenting a misleadingly favorable account. A headline saying that an inquiry was designed to whitewash misconduct therefore implies that the inquiry is being manipulated to protect reputations or conceal wrongdoing, rather than that it is genuinely impartial. The term is especially common in journalism, political discussion, and formal criticism, where it carries a strongly negative connotation. In less formal contexts, it can refer to any generous rewriting of events, though this use may be an exaggeration. Because it combines a vivid physical image with a precise accusation, whitewashing is useful for naming attempts to make a problematic situation appear cleaner than it really is.
The act of painting something white or, figuratively, the practice of clearing someone or something of wrongdoing by presenting a misleadingly favorable account.
"The chairman rejected the criticism as political whitewashing."
The noun is often uncountable when referring to a general practice or accusation; the plural whitewashings is uncommon.
To paint or coat something white, or to exonerate someone or something of wrongdoing by ignoring evidence, softening facts, or presenting a misleadingly favorable account.
"The corporation denied that its report was intended to whitewash the misconduct."
The figurative verb is normally critical and implies deliberate distortion or concealment.
The plural is uncommon; the noun is usually uncountable in its figurative sense.
"Several attempted whitewashings were criticized as misleading."
Whitewashing combines a vivid physical image with a sharp accusation: just as a coat of white paint can conceal a dingy surface, a whitewash can make wrongdoing look clean.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whitewashing come from?
The word is English and formed from the elements white and wash, with the suffix -ing marking the action or its gerund form. Its literal sense refers to painting or coating something white. The figurative sense developed by extension from the idea of covering or concealing faults, and the related base form whitewash carries both the literal and figurative meanings.
Related word forms
How whitewashing is actually used
Figurative use is generally critical or disapproving, especially in journalism, politics, and formal discussion. It implies that facts, evidence, or responsibility have been concealed rather than genuinely resolved.
Easily confused with whitewashing
Whitening generally means making something lighter or whiter, while whitewashing can also mean concealing wrongdoing behind a misleadingly favorable account.
Whitewash is the related base form, while whitewashing is a form of the verb and a noun naming the activity of whitewashing.