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
Priorities should be cleansing, hydration and protection, added hairstylist Carissa Cortez.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
Take up to 30% off these cleansing oils that will completely change your face-wash routine.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 June 2026
It can be used in many ways, including to clean surfaces, wash laundry, wipe windows, flush out faucets, and even cleanse fresh fruits and vegetables.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 June 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
See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
Take up to 30% off these cleansing oils that will completely change your face-wash routine.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 June 2026
It can be used in many ways, including to clean surfaces, wash laundry, wipe windows, flush out faucets, and even cleanse fresh fruits and vegetables.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 June 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
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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Washington waging a war on algae Crews were busy cleaning green algae from the Reflecting Pool in Washington only days after a multimillion-dollar project to resurface and repaint the landmark blue ahead of America250 celebrations.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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Seek sails that are machine washable, and be sure to clean them at least once a season.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanse. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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