Definition

Adjective: 1. Coated with whitewash: Describes a surface that has been painted or covered with whitewash, a mixture typically of lime, chalk, and water, used to whiten walls, fences, or other structures. 2. (Figurative) Made to appear superficially clean or respectable; glossed over: Used to describe an attempt to conceal unpleasant facts, mistakes, or wrongdoings by presenting a misleadingly positive image, often without proper investigation or correction.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Coated with whitewash):
  • The small cottage looked bright and clean with its whitewashed walls.
  • We walked past miles of whitewashed fences along the country road.
• Figurative (Glossed over):
  • The official report was a whitewashed version of events that ignored key failures.
  • The company's history of environmental violations was whitewashed in their new promotional campaign.

Advanced Usage

• "to whitewash something" (verb): The action from which the adjective is derived. It means to apply whitewash or, figuratively, to conceal faults.
  • The committee was accused of trying to whitewash the scandal.
• "a whitewash" (noun): The substance itself or the act of whitewashing.
  • The investigation was a complete whitewash, clearing the officials of all blame without proper evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Whitewash (n): 1. A mixture for whitening surfaces. 2. An attempt to conceal unpleasant facts.
• Whitewash (v): To cover with whitewash; to gloss over faults.
• Whitewashing (n): The process or practice of applying whitewash or concealing the truth.

Synonyms

• Literal: Lime-washed, painted white, coated.
• Figurative: Glossed over, covered up, sanitized, sugarcoated, varnished.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "A coat of whitewash": A superficial treatment that hides the true condition.
  • The reforms were just a coat of whitewash on a deeply flawed system.

Adjective

1. coated with whitewash
   • miles of whitewashed fences