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
The hybrid gel-cream formula creates a rich, foamy lather that cleanses without stripping moisture.
—
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Jan. 2026
Droves of customers just bought this Garnier micellar water that expertly removes makeup and gently cleanses the skin without stripping it bare.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
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
This essence quickly cleanses and detoxes sensitive skin to soothe it.
—Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
The detoxifying shampoo deeply cleanses the hair at a micro level sans stripping, damaging or irritating the scalp.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Jan. 2026
Droves of customers just bought this Garnier micellar water that expertly removes makeup and gently cleanses the skin without stripping it bare.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
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
This essence quickly cleanses and detoxes sensitive skin to soothe it.
—Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
The detoxifying shampoo deeply cleanses the hair at a micro level sans stripping, damaging or irritating the scalp.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanses
Verb
-
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
-
An Indian farmer cleans solar panels on his land, used to power a water pump and irrigation system for crops in Solawata, Rajasthan, India.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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The facility, which would be a double unit, cleans after each use and deep cleans every hour, and is set to be open year-round.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 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,
1 Dec. 2025
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The experiences move in a circuit of hot and cold, dry and humid, punctuated by serene spaces like the Silent Salt Relax Room, where a glowing Himalayan salt wall purifies the air.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Everyone’s metaphorical nose ring heals.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
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The Aquaphor Lip Repair Balm not only soothes and heals dry lips, but also has SPF 30 sunscreen for additional protection against the sun’s harmful rays.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Addressing and understanding both is what restores choice.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Supporters of the move said the decision restores the statue to its original and intended placement.—
Ross DiMattei,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanses. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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