cleanse

verb

ˈklenz How to pronounce cleanse (audio)
Definition of cleansenext
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

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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

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 cleanse An amuse bouche opened the meal, a palate-cleansing sorbet marked the end of the dinner and the beginning of dessert, and a little treat, and the end felt like a festive way to linger a little longer and celebrate a special meal. — Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 13 June 2026 Videos showing New Yorkers burning incense and sage outside Madison Square Garden have racked up thousands of views online, with supporters hoping to cleanse any bad energy before tipoff. — ABC News, 12 June 2026 Once your makeup is removed and your face is cleansed, add a hydrating cream like the All About Eyes Lightweight Eye Cream, then use the De-Puffing Eye Roller in the morning to awaken and brighten your eyes for the day. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleanse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanse
  1. purge
  2. clean
Verb
  • Doctors, following accepted practice, would likely have bled or purged an ill person for humoral balance.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • Among those purged or forced to retire have been a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of naval operations and the head of the Defense Health Agency.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Definition of purge
Verb
  • Then, cleaning robots would handle waste detection and room upkeep using AI.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • As volunteers fanned out Sunday to clean debris from the beach, leaders blamed social media and out-of-state youths for fueling disorder and pledged a full post-holiday safety review.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of clean

Browse Nearby Words

cleans
cleanse
cleansed
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Cite this Entry

“Cleanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cleanse

Nglish: Translation of cleanse for Spanish Speakers

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