Synonyms of cleanse

cleanse

verb

ˈklenz 

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

• purge
• purify
• heal
• restore
• sanctify
• improve
• refine
• amend
• regenerate
• uplift
• elevate
• exonerate
• absolve
• vindicate
• acquit
• clear
• ennoble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• corrupt
• stain
• degrade
• defile
• poison
• debase
• warp
• demean
• pervert
• prostitute
• debauch
• deprave
• profane
• tarnish
• sully

2

as in to clean

to remove the dirt from

cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clean
• scrub
• wipe
• rinse
• wash
• purge
• turn out
• brush
• purify
• tidy
• deterge
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• sweep
• GI
• sanitize
• shampoo
• freshen
• mop
• vacuum
• scour
• brighten
• launder
• comb
• dust
• sweeten
• swab
• sponge
• straighten (up)
• muck (out)
• deodorize
• spruce (up)
• dry-clean
• unclutter
• pick up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soil
• dirty
• stain
• besmirch
• sully
• spot
• foul
• muddy
• pollute
• taint
• defile
• discolor
• blacken
• begrime

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cleanse

The Beneš Decrees that ethnically cleansed tens of thousands of Hungarians from southern Slovakia after the war are still affecting contemporary Slovak-Hungarian relations today. — Brett R. Chloupek, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

Elevate your bathing routine with this creamy shower gel that gently cleanses and nourishes your skin with a blend of acai, cupuacu butter and coconut oil. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

The star ingredients, rosemary and biotin, work together to deeply nourish and cleanse the scalp and strands, as well as stimulate growth and keratin production. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 4 July 2026

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