as in to shed
to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exfoliate The texture is creamy, with tiny exfoliating beads. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025 Though plants are deciduous, attractive exfoliating bark adds interest and texture through the winter months. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 Another key ingredient: Salicylic acid, which Dr. Dufner says is great for gently exfoliating the skin and keeping your pores gunk-free. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid hydrates, lactic acid gently exfoliates, and vitamin E softens. Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliate
Verb
  • And what will perhaps be the grossest installment promises to shed new light on the chaos that arose on a Carnival Triumph cruise ship in 2013.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • And in the process of remaking their roster and attempting to graft elite skill into their lineup, the Hurricanes may look to shed some commitments and reallocate cap space to more offensively gifted forwards.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Having peeled back the classical outer layer of the onion, where energy is always positive, Wall reached a lightly quantum layer — a context physicists call semiclassical.
    Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Metal structures should not have rust or peeling paint, which could contain lead.
    Dr. Julie Gilchrist, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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