Synonyms of cleanse

cleanse

verb

ˈklenz 

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

• purge
• purify
• heal
• restore
• sanctify
• improve
• refine
• amend
• regenerate
• uplift
• elevate
• exonerate
• absolve
• vindicate
• acquit
• clear
• ennoble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• corrupt
• stain
• degrade
• defile
• poison
• debase
• warp
• demean
• pervert
• prostitute
• debauch
• deprave
• profane
• tarnish
• sully

2

as in to clean

to remove the dirt from

cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clean
• scrub
• wipe
• rinse
• wash
• purge
• turn out
• brush
• purify
• tidy
• deterge
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• sweep
• GI
• sanitize
• shampoo
• freshen
• mop
• vacuum
• scour
• brighten
• launder
• comb
• dust
• sweeten
• swab
• sponge
• straighten (up)
• muck (out)
• deodorize
• spruce (up)
• dry-clean
• unclutter
• pick up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soil
• dirty
• stain
• besmirch
• sully
• spot
• foul
• muddy
• pollute
• taint
• defile
• discolor
• blacken
• begrime

Examples of cleanse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This soap gently cleanses while protecting against the drying effects of water and soothes and calms itching sensations. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Aug. 2024

Moisturizers after showering: To prevent your skin from drying out, always apply a moisturizing lotion immediately after cleansing. Ointments or creams: When moisturizing your skin, thicker ointments and creams can further protect it from dehydration. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 11 Aug. 2024

Start with skin that has been gently cleansed and lightly dried. —Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2024

This lymph fluid is cleansed and filtered in the 600 or so lymph nodes throughout our system, protecting the body from bacterias, viruses, and waste; lymph is super vital for our general health. —Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 30 July 2024