1
as in purges
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cleans
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 cleanses
Speaking of ventilation, don’t forget to breathe deep; a new electric air filter cleanses our world’s increasingly polluted atmosphere, an issue contributed to by the S-Class itself.
—
Brett Berk, Robb Report, 15 May 2026
The First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser removes makeup and deeply cleanses the skin without stripping it.
—Claire West, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Shani Darden's Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance, thanks to a two-step process that deeply resurfaces and cleanses skin.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
This one not only deposits color, but also gently cleanses and conditions the hair.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Mindful breathing, meditation, and cupping therapies help clear toxins, while sound bowl and crystal chakra cleanses balance the body’s energy.
—Nina Patel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025
The exfoliating face wash has become a staple for me thanks to its gentle formula that reduces blackheads and deeply cleanses skin.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Nexxus Amino Bond Shampoo & Conditioner The Amino Bond Repair Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and removes build up from the scalp while gently nourishing strands for enhanced strength.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Brett Berk, Robb Report, 15 May 2026
The First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser removes makeup and deeply cleanses the skin without stripping it.
—Claire West, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Shani Darden's Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance, thanks to a two-step process that deeply resurfaces and cleanses skin.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
This one not only deposits color, but also gently cleanses and conditions the hair.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Mindful breathing, meditation, and cupping therapies help clear toxins, while sound bowl and crystal chakra cleanses balance the body’s energy.
—Nina Patel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025
The exfoliating face wash has become a staple for me thanks to its gentle formula that reduces blackheads and deeply cleanses skin.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Nexxus Amino Bond Shampoo & Conditioner The Amino Bond Repair Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and removes build up from the scalp while gently nourishing strands for enhanced strength.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanses
Verb
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Unless the Heat releases Terry Rozier or purges some other salary in a trade, Miami would not have enough space to sign a 15th player to a standard contract — and remain under the luxury tax line — until December.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Salt effectively cleans tough stains on cookware, wood, and even fabric.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
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His mother cleans the house instead of watching the game, stopping every so often to ask about the score.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 June 2026
Verb
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This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
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Designed with a blend of advanced filters, including stainless steel mesh and activated carbon, Aquabliss’ Shower Filter purifies your water and enriches it with vitamin C and tourmaline, revealing softer skin and glossier strands.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The intergenerational duo has kept fans hooked with their surefire wits and complicated relationship that both hurts and heals.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
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Short-term, or acute, inflammation usually goes away within a few hours as your body heals.—
Alexandria Nyembwe,
Health,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Plus, a 15-minute quick charge restores 15 hours of battery!—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
9 June 2026
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With three types of hyaluronic acid, ectoin, and the brand’s signature thermal spring water, the moisturizer restores hydration, repairs a weak skin barrier, and plumps sagging skin.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanses. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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