1
as in scrubbing
to remove the dirt from
we cleaned the clothes before donating them to charity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in removing
to take the internal organs out of
cleaned the rabbit before cooking it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 cleaning
Doctors struggle to access complete patient histories, researchers spend months cleaning inconsistent datasets, and hospitals face spiraling costs just to keep outdated systems running.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
But, cleaning it regularly and keeping the space well-ventilated greatly helps prevent the build up of mold.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Or, make a habit of reusing toothbrushes for cleaning around the house.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
The worker, Sean Wiley, was injured in March while cleaning a large machine known as a ribbon blender at the plant on Black Hawk Drive in Burlington.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
After a rabies exposure, people should seek immediate preventative medical care, known as post-exposure prophylaxis, which involves thoroughly cleaning the wound and receiving a rabies vaccination.
—Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
But, cleaning it regularly and keeping the space well-ventilated greatly helps prevent the build up of mold.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Or, make a habit of reusing toothbrushes for cleaning around the house.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
The worker, Sean Wiley, was injured in March while cleaning a large machine known as a ribbon blender at the plant on Black Hawk Drive in Burlington.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
After a rabies exposure, people should seek immediate preventative medical care, known as post-exposure prophylaxis, which involves thoroughly cleaning the wound and receiving a rabies vaccination.
—Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaning
Verb
-
Doc is scrubbing in for season 2.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
This process lifts stains without increasing their surface area, which can be an issue when scrubbing by hand with a cloth or brush.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The group routinely calls for removing books at public schools and played a role in Scottsdale Unified School District's decision to pull 16 books from its library shelves in February.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Tips To Keep Your Towels Mascara-Free The best way to keep makeup from staining towels is by thoroughly removing the makeup first.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Such action by Russia, either intentional or accidental, has raised the risk of widening the war by drawing other countries directly into the conflict.—
Matt Spetalnick,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Charlotte's Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles initially emphasized the suspect's mental health over the victim, drawing fierce criticism.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In fact, rinsing again can increase the risk of cross-contamination from your sink, hands, or utensils.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In addition to rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after use to remove any remaining bacteria and debris, experts suggest replacing it every three to four months.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Crucially, there are real-world exploits like University of California, San Diego’s (UCSD) Imprompter, which had nearly an 80% success rate in extracting personal data via obfuscated prompts.—
Camellia Chan,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
So Cali reached over, extracting it, before downing the rest.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Over the years, Origins has built a roster of skin-care staples that have earned a loyal following and plenty of editor love, like nourishing cleansing balms, hardworking chemical peels, and deliciously scented body lotions.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Sep. 2025
-
LaVon suggests gently cleansing the scalp with a refresher spray after sweating, followed by a few drops of lightweight oil like grapeseed.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Spend some time worrying about that thing that’s actually quite meaningless, getting mad at that person cutting me off in traffic?—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Marinaccio is cutting it Marinaccio made his big-league debut with the Yankees in 2022 and between June and July of that did not allow a hit to 57 consecutive batters.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Breaking Bad actor Raymond Cruz was arrested Monday on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after allegedly spraying someone with a hose while washing his car in front of his home in Los Angeles.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Sep. 2025
-
And increasing floods linked to climate change are thought to be washing the creatures further and further afield.—
Wesley Bruer,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleaning. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share