1
as in to purge
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clean
to remove the dirt from
cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleanse
Better yet, get the best advice from all three in one place:
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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
With Mikey Day portraying Jesus, the cast began the show by enacting a parody of Matthew 21:13, when Jesus cleansed the temple of merchants and money changers.
—Megan Thomas, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
Limit the potential negative effects of makeup on your skin by choosing products with safe ingredients, cleansing your face well every night before bed, and going without makeup one or two days per week.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleanse
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
With Mikey Day portraying Jesus, the cast began the show by enacting a parody of Matthew 21:13, when Jesus cleansed the temple of merchants and money changers.
—Megan Thomas, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
Limit the potential negative effects of makeup on your skin by choosing products with safe ingredients, cleansing your face well every night before bed, and going without makeup one or two days per week.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanse
Verb
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Listen to this article WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump abruptly fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on Thursday as the White House continues to purge the federal government of those perceived to oppose the president and his agenda.—
Seung Min Kim,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
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Just for the record, Patrick Mahomes didn’t get his iconic mohawk sheared off to purge that 40-22 drubbing by the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The smart robot also senses when the mop is getting dingy and goes back to the station to clean it.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
19 May 2025
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This handy appliance can clean all sorts of household items beyond those found in kitchen cupboards.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanse. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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