as in restoring
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
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Recent Examples of purging
Here was a symbolic way of purging Hindu society of untouchability.
—
Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
The data shows that black and brown people spend much longer time, in longer lines, purging people, people literally showing up and not knowing that their names have been purged from the rolls.
—CBS News, 4 May 2026
The administration has provided no explanation for purging the board, which helps steer the National Science Foundation and acts as an independent advisory body for the president and Congress on scientific and engineering issues, providing reports throughout the year.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
One or more of the agencies compiling these lists — the Illinois State Board of Elections, the Secretary of State, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, evidently is not purging dead people from its lists, Mertes said.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
While purging senior military leaders, Xi has grown and modernized China’s army, navy, and air force; improved its cyberwarfare; and upgraded its nuclear arsenal.
—Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026
Despite the conflict with Iran and other recent military activity overseas, the Pentagon seems focused on purging minorities and women.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
In late March, Sony removed 700 titles from the PlayStation Store, purging all listings from publisher Nostra Games.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 7 Apr. 2026
What started with restrictive eating habits led to binge eating, which led to purging.
—Eden Laase, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
The data shows that black and brown people spend much longer time, in longer lines, purging people, people literally showing up and not knowing that their names have been purged from the rolls.
—CBS News, 4 May 2026
The administration has provided no explanation for purging the board, which helps steer the National Science Foundation and acts as an independent advisory body for the president and Congress on scientific and engineering issues, providing reports throughout the year.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
One or more of the agencies compiling these lists — the Illinois State Board of Elections, the Secretary of State, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, evidently is not purging dead people from its lists, Mertes said.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
While purging senior military leaders, Xi has grown and modernized China’s army, navy, and air force; improved its cyberwarfare; and upgraded its nuclear arsenal.
—Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026
Despite the conflict with Iran and other recent military activity overseas, the Pentagon seems focused on purging minorities and women.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
In late March, Sony removed 700 titles from the PlayStation Store, purging all listings from publisher Nostra Games.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 7 Apr. 2026
What started with restrictive eating habits led to binge eating, which led to purging.
—Eden Laase, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purging
Verb
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During his tenure, Critchell led an overhaul of the brand, restoring its visibility and relevance.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
His son, Joel Tefteller and Nick Bergh got to work on restoring the audio with cutting-edge tech.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
4 June 2026
Verb
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This cleanser brings a spa-like experience straight to your bathroom, thoroughly cleansing the skin without ever leaving it gasping for moisture.—
Kieaundria Bellamy,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
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Next is purifying and hydrating with the Body Wash, which moisturizes and plumps skin while deeply cleansing pores, strengthening the skin barrier and triggering cellular regeneration.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
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They were encouraged to purchase pricey gemstones from him that were supposedly imbued with healing powers.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
1 June 2026
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Tazheen Nizam, executive director of the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, said the pain might last forever, even as healing beings.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Verb
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SacSewer does not charge or gain revenue from water treatment, which involves purifying raw environmental water into safe drinking water.—
Emma Hall,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
-
Next is purifying and hydrating with the Body Wash, which moisturizes and plumps skin while deeply cleansing pores, strengthening the skin barrier and triggering cellular regeneration.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purging. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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