1
as in scrubbing
to remove the dirt from
we cleaned the clothes before donating them to charity
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in removing
to take the internal organs out of
cleaned the rabbit before cooking it
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleaning
My mom also notes the importance of always properly cleaning your cashmere and other garments before putting them away for the season.
—
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The most common danger is getting an infection from not properly cleaning your spa after every use.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Each unit’s weekly cleaning regimen includes completely emptying the waste with the vacuum truck’s suction wand, adding deodorizer that breaks down future waste and mitigates bad smells, scrubbing and disinfecting every surface inside the unit, and restocking paper goods.
—Tom Huddleston Jr.
mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
But not before Freddy applies an earlier safety lesson about harmful chemical cleaning products to subdue the suddenly menacing unicorn.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Your weekly bathroom cleaning regimen shouldn't take more than 15 to 20 minutes, but try implementing some daily cleaning habits as well.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026
Regularly checking and cleaning or replacing your heating filters can also improve energy efficiency.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Charlotte will continue its cleaning efforts into next week, Reid said.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
The start of a new year usually brings new motivation to achieve goals like eating healthier or finally cleaning your basement.
—Adriana Morga, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The most common danger is getting an infection from not properly cleaning your spa after every use.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Each unit’s weekly cleaning regimen includes completely emptying the waste with the vacuum truck’s suction wand, adding deodorizer that breaks down future waste and mitigates bad smells, scrubbing and disinfecting every surface inside the unit, and restocking paper goods.
—Tom Huddleston Jr.
mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
But not before Freddy applies an earlier safety lesson about harmful chemical cleaning products to subdue the suddenly menacing unicorn.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Your weekly bathroom cleaning regimen shouldn't take more than 15 to 20 minutes, but try implementing some daily cleaning habits as well.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026
Regularly checking and cleaning or replacing your heating filters can also improve energy efficiency.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Charlotte will continue its cleaning efforts into next week, Reid said.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
The start of a new year usually brings new motivation to achieve goals like eating healthier or finally cleaning your basement.
—Adriana Morga, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaning
Verb
-
Later in the season, after the Bridgerton sons playfully throw shaving foam at each other, a maid is shown scrubbing the floor, the furniture, and the walls, their fun and folly now her toil.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
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Simply soak a fresh sheet in water for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing away.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Snapp, the drug policy researcher, insists that Mexico’s ban is a setback by removing a safer alternative to cigarettes.—
María Verza,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Pacaso manages everything, with scheduling and other logistics handled through the company’s proprietary platform, removing the friction—and the trust gap—that often comes with private exchanges.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Alpha School, which purports to teach children academics using AI, is drawing both praise and criticism.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
29 Jan. 2026
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The self-driving cabs have also been involved in numerous accidents and have been caught violating traffic laws, drawing the attention of federal regulators.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After rinsing it well, place the lid on a burner and heat it for a few minutes on medium-low heat until all moisture is gone.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Jan. 2026
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Degrease cabinet tops by dusting first, then using dish soap or vinegar to cut grease before rinsing and drying well.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Strip off the hard outer skin and chew the woody pith, extracting its sweetness before spitting it out.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
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Clough had a knack of reviving the fortunes of waifs and strays; of extracting every ounce of talent from players.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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How to use hypochlorous acid Apply HOCl after cleansing your skin but before serums or moisturizers, Garshick says.—
Erica Sweeney,
Time,
28 Jan. 2026
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When should makeup remover wipes be used instead of cleansing balms?—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Although the Jayhawks led by as many as 21 points, BYU stayed within striking distance in the second half, cutting the lead to six as the clock ticked under two minutes to go.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
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There were cancellations and delays, with the Department of Transportation cutting flights due to safety concerns.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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City officials pointed to health concerns — such as a lack of hand-washing stations and health permits — as reasons for more restrictive oversight.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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How Freezing Your Clothes Works While washing a garment is the easiest solution, most of the time the clothing targeted by the moth larvae—like wool, cashmere, and silk—is not suitable for typical laundering, which is where deep freezing comes into play.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleaning. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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