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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanses
Verb
-
Unless a Nest user subscribes to a service that allows for quick access to review footage recorded on a device, Google routinely purges the footage rather than retain it indefinitely, said Stacey Higginbotham, a policy fellow at Consumer Reports who specializes in cybersecurity issues.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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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
-
This will prevent things from getting out of hand, making your deep cleans much more manageable.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 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,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the biblical sense, the refiner’s fire not only destroys, but purifies the slate clean for novel growth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
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Plastic water bottles have been largely eliminated as the resort purifies and bottles its own water.—
John Newton,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That admission runs counter to the tidy grief narrative most people carry around — the idea that time heals in a straight line.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
-
In cases like these, more fun lip balms just don’t cut it, whereas this 100% natural ointment instantly heals and replenishes.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
During deep sleep, the brain consolidates memories, restores its ability to learn and processes emotions.—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
10 Mar. 2026
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Amador hopes the president restores ties with Taiwan for the benefit of the 330 shrimp farming companies that are still operating.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanses. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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