Synonyms for

Brushing

Verb / ˈbrʌʃɪŋ / Another word for brushing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of cleaning or tidying something with a brush.

Synonyms & similar words

sweep brush scrubbing sweeping dusting polishing cleaning wiping sponging mopping swabbing flossing combing grooming massaging rubbing buffing shining smoothing burnishing scouring laundering

Synonyms by register

Formal

cleaning polishing sweeping scrubbing

Informal

tidying sprucing wiping

Literary

caressing stroking

Antonyms

neglecting ignoring skipping omitting avoiding abstaining

Common collocations

  • brushing teeth
  • brushing hair
  • brushing aside
  • brushing off
  • brushing up on
  • brushing past
  • brushing the dust

Word family

noun brush
verb brush
adjective brushy

Usage note

The verb 'brush' can be used literally for cleaning or grooming, or figuratively to dismiss or ignore something. 'Brushing up on' means to refresh one's knowledge of a subject.

Example sentences

  1. I am brushing my hair with a hairbrush.
  2. She is brushing the dirt off of her shoes.
  3. He is brushing his dog's fur.
  4. We are brushing up on our math skills.
  5. They are brushing the paint onto the walls.

Quotes

  • "I am brushing up on my Spanish before my trip to Mexico," said Maria.
  • "Brushing your teeth is an important part of your daily routine," said the dentist.
  • "I love the sound of brushing my hair," said Sarah.

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