BRUSHING Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

brushing 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of brush

as in flowing

to move or proceed smoothly and readily a pop star brushing past a crowd of autograph seekers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brushing

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of brush

as in kissing

to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing spiderwebs brushed her cheek as she walked through the basement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 brushing

Verb

Researchers filmed 98 young adults brushing to the best of their ability. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 Repeat with the remaining burgers, brushing the skillet or griddle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 That is why fans describe it as a nostalgic recall of a backyard garden, summer afternoons watering plants or brushing against tomato vines. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 The company positions it more as at-home diagnostic technology than brushing guidance. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 Images also depict a heap of trash bags outside the sally port and people brushing their teeth outside with a hose. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 Each whisker is packed with sensitive nerve endings at its base that detect tiny deflections, vibrations, and pressure changes when brushing against surfaces. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 The other often comes as strips, trays or a dedicated device used after brushing. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Other ways to conserve include turning off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your face, shortening shower times, repurposing water, or turning off the kitchen faucet while washing dishes. — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brushing

Verb

The cash is flowing to candidates, super PACs and industry groups aiming to shape policy fights in Washington.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Olivia Rodrigo originally planned to hit the stage at her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival in August in an iconic floor-length, flowing white gown.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of flowing

Verb

That’s because the acting Oscar races are really more akin to a political campaign that involves millions of dollars, months of meet-and-greets and kissing metaphorical babies, and dozens of screenings and press appearances.

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
They were photographed holding hands and kissing during the trip.

— Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of kissing

Verb

After finally shaving his beard off, Colbert concluded the interview by gifting Kimmel something special from his show.

— Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Colbert had no hesitation about taking the tool to his facial hair, shaving it off and returning to his recognizable clean-shaven look.

— Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

The rooms Every single one of the 75 rooms is ocean-facing, with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors framing the view, and leading to private terraces perched above the mangroves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
These twin trends—an aging Leninist system sliding toward one-man rule and mounting political inertia in the face of anything that might trigger social unrest—have eroded China’s governance capacity.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sliding

Verb

Expect wearables and continuous glucose monitors to start nudging users to move within the 15-to-30-minute window after eating, replacing generic daily step prompts.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
The fish folds its body, trying to turn or swim, the water nudging overtop.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of nudging

Verb

Expect to see plenty of holidaymakers and honeymooners hanging out by the pool or drifting in and out of the on-site spa.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The issue, of course, stems from the sound of rider screams from the coaster drifting into the residential area.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of drifting

Verb

Police also connected him to four other subsequent incidents of forcible touching in the Bronx.

— Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026
It is said that touching the polished engravings of the event placed at the pedestal of the Nepomuk statue will bring luck and ensure a return to Prague.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026