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 Over the years, state agencies and local governments have made attempts at cleaning Lake Jesup but none have been enough to turn the tide. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026 In addition to going after pollutants at the source, cleaning the air is another important step. — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026 When cleaning, check for loose slats, nails, peeling paint, rot, and rust, and repair as needed. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026 Among the existing methods for cleaning flesh off a specimen is chemical treatment, but that tends to be bad for the environment and can degrade the skeleton. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 17 July 2026 Ease of cleaning Most Hamilton Beach microwaves have nonstick interiors made from stainless steel or porcelain enamel. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaning

Verb

Start by scrubbing the area with a baking soda and water paste, rinse, and then spray with hydrogen peroxide and leave for 10 to 20 minutes.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
Depending on the material of the grates, keep them clean by soaking and scrubbing with a few household ingredients.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

Definition of scrubbing

Verb

Leaders add value by asking better questions, widening perspectives, connecting people, allocating resources and removing the obstacles that slow great work.

— Brent McHugh, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
The state added women to the workforce without removing men from their role as sole providers.

— Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of removing

Verb

As many news reports will remind you, thoroughly rinsing produce under clean, running water is recommended, especially for fruits and vegetables with nooks and crannies where dirt and contaminants may become trapped.

— Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Spray with hydrogen peroxide and wait 10 minutes before rinsing and drying.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

Definition of rinsing

Verb

Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira were among those who performed at the World Cup's first ever half-time show, which stretched the break out to more than 27 minutes, drawing criticism from commentators and fans.

— Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 20 July 2026
The family isn’t concerned with staying in a specific culinary lane, instead, drawing inspiration from the greater Armenian diaspora.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 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

Scientists are cracking the code for extracting useful molecules from substances designed to harm.

— Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026
Lionel Scaloni found a way to both protect a player who is physically years beyond his prime while also extracting the maximum influence from him.

— Phil Hay, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of extracting

Verb

As the risk of infection continues, Connecticut residents are urged to continue washing all produce in running water, scrubbing firm fruits and, to be safest, cooking produce to 158 degrees.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Employees also moved from one work station to the next without washing hands and changing gloves.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

Definition of washing

Verb

The vibes at Wrigley should be stellar this weekend as the Champions Gate at Gallagher Way will be unveiled before Saturday’s game with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Rather than report on every float in this parade of horribles, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed and hirsute higher education observer Bryan Alexander have started cost-cutting trackers.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026