Search Dictionary
Definition of sportswashing

sportswashing

/ˈspɔːrtsˌwɑːʃɪŋ/
sports · wash · ing
JUMP TO:

sportswashing Lexical Profile

sportswashing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice by an individual, corporation, or government of using sports, such as hosting major tournaments or sponsoring teams, to improve a tarnished reputation and distract from unethical conduct or human rights abuses.

Example

"Critics accused the regime of engaging in sportswashing by spending billions to host the international championship."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sportswashing

• Nearby Words

sportsmanship
sportsperson
sportsplex
sportswashing
sportswear
sportswoman
sportswomanship

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 2010s as a blend of 'sports' and 'whitewashing' (by analogy with 'greenwashing'), originally popularized by human rights organizations to critique authoritarian governments hosting major global sporting events.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sportswashing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sportswashing
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.