purificatory

adjective

Definition of purificatorynext
as in purifying

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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 purificatory Many stepwells were used for ablution; the tanks associated with mosques, Hindu temples and other shrines offered the most purificatory form. Summoning water from the depths was also a symbol of temporal power. — The Economist, 13 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purificatory
  1. cleansing
  2. cathartic
  3. moving
  4. impressive
Adjective
  • The in-shower treatment is meant to be used post-cleansing; simply massage it into wet hair and rinse it out two-to-three times a week.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 24 June 2026
  • To use the bestseller, distribute three pumps over the face and neck daily, post-cleansing, and start savoring its impressive effects after a couple of months of consistent application.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025
Definition of cleansing
Adjective
  • Ross’ music eschews the cathartic function of a lot of classic heartland rock, maybe because his lyric-writing is fairly literary and terse.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Marrow Deep at times feels turbulent, ornate, measured, chaotic, and cathartic.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cathartic
Adjective
  • Thomas Edison received a patent for his Kinetograph moving-picture camera.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • One of Bourdain’s most moving reflections on fatherhood came in a 2013 essay for The Guardian.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of moving
Adjective
  • The most impressive trick Paranormal Activity pulls off is making an entire theater — devotees and newcomers alike — afraid to look away, and giving them one hell of a good time while doing it.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The ingredients are impressive, but the shopper reviews are even better.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of impressive

Browse Nearby Words

purifications
purificatory
purified
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Cite this Entry

“Purificatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purificatory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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