as in cleansing
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1
as in purging
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
Catholics go to confession to be purified
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in filtering
to remove usually visible impurities from
purify the water by distillation
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Recent Examples of purifying
James Manso, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026
Last year, Moroccanoil, a brand used by Demi Moore and other celebs, debuted the scalp tonic as part of its Moroccanoil Scalp Care System that also includes a purifying scrub, balancing shampoo, and a conditioner.
—Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
In a nutshell, wastewater recycling works by first physically filtering the water, then subjecting it to reverse osmosis, and finally purifying it with ultraviolet light.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026
When taken together in the evening, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice are said to act synergistically to create a gently purifying antioxidant blend.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Crews continue to work in the crash site around Grade Lane, just south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hauling away contaminated soil, purifying water and repairing roadways.
—Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Jan. 2026
For example, those that change the cooling solution or solvent, which is typically used in the process of separating and purifying nuclear materials.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025
One of the best home deals available, this one looks futuristic and boasts excellent purifying power.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
The brand is debuting Fango Purificante, a purifying mud mask for face and body, which will retail starting Monday for $56 on the brand’s website.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026
Last year, Moroccanoil, a brand used by Demi Moore and other celebs, debuted the scalp tonic as part of its Moroccanoil Scalp Care System that also includes a purifying scrub, balancing shampoo, and a conditioner.
—Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
In a nutshell, wastewater recycling works by first physically filtering the water, then subjecting it to reverse osmosis, and finally purifying it with ultraviolet light.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026
When taken together in the evening, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice are said to act synergistically to create a gently purifying antioxidant blend.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Crews continue to work in the crash site around Grade Lane, just south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hauling away contaminated soil, purifying water and repairing roadways.
—Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Jan. 2026
For example, those that change the cooling solution or solvent, which is typically used in the process of separating and purifying nuclear materials.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025
One of the best home deals available, this one looks futuristic and boasts excellent purifying power.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purifying
Adjective
-
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
-
Mario Badescu’s no-frills formula refines pores and soothes skin post-cleansing with witch hazel and rose water.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
18 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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
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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
Verb
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If they’re not changed often enough, clogs can prevent them from filtering air properly.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Results will start filtering in for the state Supreme Court race and local contests.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
So with that cathartic moment, Torres found his ending.—
Adam Moss,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Songs aside, the true reason to pack into the Mojave tent was to watch one of the great guitar heroes skronk and wail throughout, whopping unexpected breaks and whoop-ready vocals with an aplomb that both feels careless and entirely cathartic.—
Jeff Miller,
Rolling Stone,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Through her precise storytelling, Hao offers a clarifying perspective amid the AI mania and lays bare the ravenous, profit-seeking egos driving it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
-
There are bills for that, the Count Every Vote Act (CEVA), A4307 and S417, clarifying the definition of a margin of victory required for a recount.—
Phyllis Tashlik,
New York Daily News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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,
The Economist,
13 July 2019
Verb
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This shift isn’t about abandoning discipline but refining it.—
Samuel Mueller,
Fortune,
12 Apr. 2026
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The foundation states that winning teams are paired with professional mentors, supported in refining their budgets and project plans, and made eligible for grants of up to $1,000 to actually carry out their ideas.—
Ethan Stone,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Violators could be ticketed similar to a non-moving violation for a driver.—
Jim Turner,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Each wrong turn is bittersweet, making the eventual reunion even more moving and meaningful.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purifying. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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