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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in filtering
to remove usually visible impurities from
purify the water by distillation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of purifying
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
While some cleansers strip skin of moisture while purifying pores and removing dirt and oil, this one does the opposite, according to shoppers.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
Flameless induction cooking ranges, waste management and composting, oil purifying machines—all part of a large attempt to make luxury a little less wasteful.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
While some cleansers strip skin of moisture while purifying pores and removing dirt and oil, this one does the opposite, according to shoppers.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purifying
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
Verb
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The Upper Mokelumne watershed plays a major role in storing and filtering water for Northern California communities.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
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But for researchers, Young said, the most important moment will be pivoting from looking at individual features to filtering those views through the top 10 science priorities for the mission.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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The dinner scene with Niall’s mum, Lori (Neve McIntosh), and Ruben’s mum, Maura (Marianne McIvor) — when Joanna confronts them over Ruben’s behaviour — is both chilling and cathartic.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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As Estes notes, more than a few of these products had active ingredients that were cathartic or purgative, a fact rarely noted on labels.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Ask one clarifying question today, then respond with intention so the conversation leads somewhere useful.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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At Judges’ Table itself, a winner isn’t immediately identified; instead, the judges ask the teams a few clarifying questions and share what takeout diners thought.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
28 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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Closing simulation gaps Instead of relying entirely on physical training, robots can now learn complex tasks virtually before refining those skills in real environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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That said, Nissan has done a commendable job refining the ride quality.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Violators could be ticketed similar to a non-moving violation for a driver.—
Jim Turner,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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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 9 May. 2026.
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