1
as in to purge
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clean
to remove the dirt from
cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleanse
This cleanser brings a spa-like experience straight to your bathroom, thoroughly cleansing the skin without ever leaving it gasping for moisture.
—
Kieaundria Bellamy, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Next is purifying and hydrating with the Body Wash, which moisturizes and plumps skin while deeply cleansing pores, strengthening the skin barrier and triggering cellular regeneration.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Enjoy a few minutes of peace in the shower while cleansing and moisturizing your skin.
—Laura Lu, Parents, 22 May 2026
Consider a dip in the spa’s private plunge pool or a cleansing salt ritual, tucked away in a hushed courtyard.
—Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Kieaundria Bellamy, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Next is purifying and hydrating with the Body Wash, which moisturizes and plumps skin while deeply cleansing pores, strengthening the skin barrier and triggering cellular regeneration.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Enjoy a few minutes of peace in the shower while cleansing and moisturizing your skin.
—Laura Lu, Parents, 22 May 2026
Consider a dip in the spa’s private plunge pool or a cleansing salt ritual, tucked away in a hushed courtyard.
—Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanse
Verb
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At various points during his interview with Sobchak, Dugin called the sport of surfing evil and said that its practitioners should be purged.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
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The idea that dogs graze to purge a sick stomach is one of the explanations owners reach for most.—
Niranjana Rajalakshmi,
Popular Science,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Best Premium Vacuum Another one of our go-to wet-dry vacs, this one is designed with smart technology like the LED display and RGB Dirt Detection to measure dirt levels and adjust cleaning accordingly.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
12 June 2026
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Soler said some of her neighbors bedridden and caregivers are forced to use towels and wet wipes to clean them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanse. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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