as in to restore
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
a day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 purge
By purging federal workers and canceling federal contracts, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency risks wiping out jobs inside the government and out.
—
Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Over the next year, Smolny purged dozens of professors, including one who was fired for joining an anti-war protest.
—Anastasiia Vorozhtsova, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025
Since his inauguration, the White House has launched an all-out assault on the global climate consensus by halting government studies, terminating employees en masse, rolling back environmental regulations and purging references to global warming from federal websites.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 May 2025
Trump's move to oust Harris and Wilcox was part of his far-reaching shakeup and downsizing of the U.S. government, including firing thousands of workers, dismantling agencies, installing loyalists in key jobs and purging career officials.
—John Kruzel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purge
Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Over the next year, Smolny purged dozens of professors, including one who was fired for joining an anti-war protest.
—Anastasiia Vorozhtsova, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025
Since his inauguration, the White House has launched an all-out assault on the global climate consensus by halting government studies, terminating employees en masse, rolling back environmental regulations and purging references to global warming from federal websites.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 May 2025
Trump's move to oust Harris and Wilcox was part of his far-reaching shakeup and downsizing of the U.S. government, including firing thousands of workers, dismantling agencies, installing loyalists in key jobs and purging career officials.
—John Kruzel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purge
Verb
-
Two years ago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass laid out an ambitious and expensive goal for her first city budget: restore the size of the Los Angeles Police Department to 9,500 officers.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2025
-
Click Open System Restore and follow the prompts to restore your system to an earlier state.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Better yet, get the best advice from all three in one place: Shopping List Our top picks for cleansing, moisturizing, and treating complexions with medical-grade skin care: IS Clinical Cleansing Complex and Active Serum.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2025
-
For a cleanser, choose a formula that cleanses well without stripping the skin of its natural oils.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The raunchy yet romantic track invites Jhené Aiko, who purifies the air and floats above with her celestial vocals while Durk taps into his more melodic side.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
25 Mar. 2025
-
The Kurama Fire Festival, held annually on Oct. 22 in Kyoto, is a Shinto ritual where large torches are carried through the streets to ward off evil and purify the land.—
Ronald S. Green,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Her writing provides readers with a sanctuary to step back, reflect inward, and heal on an individual basis.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
-
Demonstrating his support and sensitivity, Justin makes a concerted effort to help Keisha heal from—and not be defined—by the experience.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purge. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share