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 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

Some American Standard models also include a series of openings in the rim that create a power flush, rinsing away material that often collects under the rim over time.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
In her view, the benefit of rinsing to cut sodium outweighs the small dip in vitamin content.

— Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 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

These platforms function less like traditional capitalist firms than feudal estates, extracting rent from businesses, creators, and users who have little choice but to operate on their terrain.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
The humidor carries more than 10,000 cigars, and King makes every cocktail in-house — down to growing his own herbs and extracting his own vanilla bean.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 10 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

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie livestreamed a ribbon-cutting ceremony early Thursday as the new Grocery Outlet store opened its doors.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Torrents overwhelmed infrastructure, cutting power to tens of thousands of homes, flooding about 170 houses and blocking roads, while a landslide hit Togane and muddy water inundated cars and railway tracks.

— Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026