as in to restore
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
a day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 purge
Despite the conflict with Iran and other recent military activity overseas, the Pentagon seems focused on purging minorities and women.
—
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
While purging senior military leaders, Xi has grown and modernized China’s army, navy, and air force; improved its cyberwarfare; and upgraded its nuclear arsenal.
—Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026
In late March, Sony removed 700 titles from the PlayStation Store, purging all listings from publisher Nostra Games.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 7 Apr. 2026
Sheinbaum has vowed to not purge people from the registry.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purge
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
While purging senior military leaders, Xi has grown and modernized China’s army, navy, and air force; improved its cyberwarfare; and upgraded its nuclear arsenal.
—Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026
In late March, Sony removed 700 titles from the PlayStation Store, purging all listings from publisher Nostra Games.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 7 Apr. 2026
Sheinbaum has vowed to not purge people from the registry.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purge
Verb
-
In more recent years, though, there has been a countermovement to restore Paul to a more credible Hellenistic context.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Crowfoot said the state’s ongoing efforts are also helping to restore vital tidal habitats and remove barriers that hinder fish migration.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Undeveloped land supports essential ecosystem services, cleansing and protecting our drinking water, safeguarding our communities and residents from flooding and inundation due to sea-level rise, supporting wildlife habitat and providing myriad recreational opportunities.—
Tom Hoctor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
-
From the outset, this was never championship or bust, but rather more a year to cleanse the stench of last season’s playoff-opening rout at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the most lopsided series loss in NBA postseason history.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The brand is debuting Fango Purificante, a purifying mud mask for face and body, which will retail starting Monday for $56 on the brand’s website.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Virtue’s Flourish line of products purify the follicles, nourish the scalp microbiome and create a fertile ground for healthy growth.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In many ways, plugging into the literary community and falling in love with reading again have healed that sense of loss.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
-
That includes captain Gabriel Landeskog, who worked for years to heal and return as a contributor and a leader of his team following long-term injury after the previous Cup run.—
Jack Lowenstein,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purge. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
