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

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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 Then, cleaning robots would handle waste detection and room upkeep using AI. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Another green measure is the recycling of soap bars through cleaning solutions company Diversy’s Soap for Hope program. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Read on for the best chalk uses around the house that cleaning experts swear by. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 Tthe Oyan River is used for the essential daily tasks of washing clothes, fishing and cleaning and preparing cassava root, the main crop. — William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026 Disposable Disinfecting Wipes Disposable disinfecting wipes are great for cleaning around the toilet seat, tank, handle, and other exterior surfaces, Glazer says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 Laverda was also one of the main caregivers for her aging parents, cleaning and helping around their property. — Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 4 July 2026 While cleaning for their annual fair, among the cobwebs and dust, community members in Waseca County, Minnesota, spotted an enormous parcel wrapped in oil cloth tucked into the eaves of a historic cabin on display inside a fairgrounds hall. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 An 11-year-old named Ashton built a viral bin-cleaning business by simply addressing a local need. — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaning

Verb

For stubborn buildup, gently scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge helps lift the film without damaging the surface.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
Sprinkle it into the bowl before scrubbing with a toilet brush to help lift grime and freshen the toilet.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of scrubbing

Verb

Once in the proper gear, Adams recommends removing the top two inches of topsoil from gardens, where the highest concentration of contaminants will settle after a fire.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
At one point, he was seen removing his shirt to wipe tears from his eyes.

— Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of removing

Verb

According to Powerball, the first drawing that players in the United Kingdom will participate in will be on Wednesday, July 22.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
This is the same category of drug already drawing interest in human longevity research for its possible effects on skin and joint aging.

— Allison Palmer July 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Definition of drawing

Verb

Naturally, there’s a spa too, specializing in hammam rituals that include a foam massage and hair cleansing to wash out that Bosphorus brine.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
Contrary to what those face-washing commercials from our childhood led us to believe, your skin doesn't need to feel tight or squeaky-clean after cleansing.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

Definition of cleansing

Verb

The work focuses on FLiBe, a molten salt made of fluorine, lithium, and beryllium that is considered one of the leading materials for producing and extracting tritium inside future fusion reactors.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
The government is also extracting data from devices that law enforcement recently seized, Winik added.

— Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 2 July 2026

Definition of extracting

Verb

Usually, this means consuming the affected food or drink directly, or touching something contaminated and then touching your mouth without washing your hands.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Trim green onions by taking off the root end and removing the outer layer before washing them.

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Definition of washing

Verb

This allows manufacturers to bypass spinning, weaving, cutting or sewing — the multistage process that has defined apparel manufacturing for centuries.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 July 2026
The federal agency also recommends cutting away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.

— Michelle Marchante July 10, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026