1
as in to purge
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clean
to remove the dirt from cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage
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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 cleanse This nourishing cleansing oil provides deep hydration for youthful, healthy-looking skin. —
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 The tasting begins with a palate-cleansing slurp of Soda Folk. —Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The same goes for cleansing with Epsom salt and milk baths. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026 My skin was quenched and cleansed at once, and Vargas’ fluency in her craft made the time absolutely fly by. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 The tasting begins with a palate-cleansing slurp of Soda Folk. —Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The same goes for cleansing with Epsom salt and milk baths. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026 My skin was quenched and cleansed at once, and Vargas’ fluency in her craft made the time absolutely fly by. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanse
Verb
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One or more of the agencies compiling these lists — the Illinois State Board of Elections, the Secretary of State, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, evidently is not purging dead people from its lists, Mertes said.— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
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Stay Physically Active A morning walk can help trigger bowel movements, as the body naturally releases hormones that help purge toxins.— Sherri Gordon, Health, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If something’s been messy or slow, take a few minutes to clean it up.— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
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Nazarian said the property owner will be billed for clearing and cleaning the lot.— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/cleanse. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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