whitewash

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪt.wɒʃ/

Definition

A deliberate attempt to conceal unpleasant facts, crimes, or failures in order to protect someone's reputation.

Examples

• The investigation into the financial scandal was widely criticized as a pathetic whitewash.

• They tried to whitewash the company's history of environmental violations before the public inquiry.

• The government's report was nothing more than a whitewash designed to protect high-ranking officials.

Synonyms of whitewash

Words with a similar meaning to whitewash:

• cover-up
• concealment
• suppression
• obfuscation

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