CLEANING Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

cleaning

verb

present participle of clean

as in scrubbing

to remove the dirt from we cleaned the clothes before donating them to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in removing

to take the internal organs out of cleaned the rabbit before cooking it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cleaning Wu said there are cleaning protocols hospitals and long-term care facilities can use to minimize potential spread of the fungus. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 When removing ink from leather backpacks, be sure to use a leather conditioner after cleaning. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026 The cemetery is wooded and so overgrown that Harper is hiring a crew to clear it out enough for volunteers to get in to work on cleaning it up so the dead can be given their due respect. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 Brandon Holbrook is seen shopping for cleaning supplies in Pennsylvania the morning after Joe Shymanski's murder. — Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub’s material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 Bourdain was doing all of the grunt work at the Flagship, scrubbing pots and pans, scraping plates, peeling potatoes, and cleaning shrimp. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 Two dead roaches were observed in a storage closet for cleaning products. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026 Westerheide said that since the review, the county has repeatedly tried to remove dogs before cleaning kennels, but staff haven’t been able to find somewhere to keep them during the process. — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaning

Verb

Bourdain was doing all of the grunt work at the Flagship, scrubbing pots and pans, scraping plates, peeling potatoes, and cleaning shrimp.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Following the grain from top to bottom, wipe the shutters with the damp cloth, gently scrubbing any stains.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of scrubbing

Verb

Despite the use of search dogs and removing slabs of concrete, police came up empty.

— Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
The order prevents anyone from withholding or obstructing necessary treatment or removing, discharging, or transferring the child while the court considers the case.

— Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of removing

Verb

How to Check Store-Bought Flowers to Prevent Pests Wang recommends rinsing bouquets with water before displaying them to help remove any pests that may be hiding within the flowers.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
While occasionally rinsing with cold water may have some benefits, using very hot or cold water to wash your face can lead to dry, irritated skin.

— Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

That said, there’s an undeniable old-world charisma to the place that hits you like a rogue horse drawing a carriage barreling down the Rue du Rivoli.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
The two-way star is inevitably drawing comparisons to the former Heisman winner.

— Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of drawing

Verb

Soak for 30 minutes to absorb the bath’s therapeutic benefits which include releasing tension, cleansing your skin, and relaxing your body.

— Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
If your skin feels tight after cleansing or tends to become flaky, Native Hydrating Facial Cleanser is an affordable upgrade.

— Laura Lu, Parents, 29 July 2026

Definition of cleansing

Verb

Asteroid mining is also mentioned as a potential opportunity, which would entail extracting metals and other critical resources from near-Earth and main-belt asteroids.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Rather than burning coal for energy or converting it into fuels, the process focuses on extracting carbon-rich molecular structures that can serve as feedstock for advanced engineering materials.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of extracting

Verb

Securing a flagship robotic vacuum with pressurized stain pre-treatment, active self-washing roller mopping, and a bagless cyclonic dock for under $900 is an exceptional value.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Other recent improvements to the building include cleaning windows that had not been washed in years, pressure-washing sidewalks, restriping the parking garage and repairing elevators.

— Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of washing

Verb

When cutting them back in the fall for the winter, leave a few branches for wildlife to use for protection, but be sure to remove all of the dead branches to reduce the risk of diseases.

— Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Broadcasters of all sizes, especially local station owners, have been battling cord-cutting and coping with ongoing audience and advertiser shifts away from linear viewing.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026