PURGE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

purge

verb

ˈpərj

Definition of purge

as in to restore

to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially a day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting

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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 purge Trump-administration officials have made no secret of their desire to purge the United States of nonwhite immigrants. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Here was a symbolic way of purging Hindu society of untouchability. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 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 The move comes as the UK considers following Australia's lead in enacting social media bans for under-16s, a policy that previously forced Snapchat to purge 415,000 underage accounts in Australia. — Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for purge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purge

Verb

The utility later cleared residents to return to every building except the 600 building while crews worked to restore power.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
If any of these qualities are missing from your relationship, work on adding or restoring them.

— Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of restore

Verb

Naturally, there’s a spa too, specializing in hammam rituals that include a foam massage and hair cleansing to wash out that Bosphorus brine.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 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

Definition of cleanse

Verb

Honest depth heals best when paired with patience and respect for everyone’s comfort level.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Adding these impacts to the early Earth’s heat budget, though, proved rather challenging because Earth has a peculiar way of healing its scars.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026

Definition of heal

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purgatory

purge

purged

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“Purge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purge. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of purge

verb

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