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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Since then, the pair hasn’t been seen together and Yung Miami’s Instagram account has been purged to only include posts that reflect on her upcoming album.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2025
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Last December, however, Netflix purged most of its interactive content — including Puss in Book — with only a handful of titles remaining.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
9 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 24 May. 2025.
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