Synonyms of cleanse

cleanse

verb

ˈklenz 

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

• purge
• purify
• heal
• restore
• sanctify
• improve
• refine
• amend
• regenerate
• uplift
• elevate
• exonerate
• absolve
• vindicate
• acquit
• clear
• ennoble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• corrupt
• stain
• degrade
• defile
• poison
• debase
• warp
• demean
• pervert
• prostitute
• debauch
• deprave
• profane
• tarnish
• sully

2

as in to clean

to remove the dirt from

cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clean
• scrub
• wipe
• rinse
• wash
• purge
• turn out
• brush
• purify
• tidy
• deterge
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• sweep
• GI
• sanitize
• shampoo
• freshen
• mop
• vacuum
• scour
• brighten
• launder
• comb
• dust
• sweeten
• swab
• sponge
• straighten (up)
• muck (out)
• deodorize
• spruce (up)
• dry-clean
• unclutter
• pick up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soil
• dirty
• stain
• besmirch
• sully
• spot
• foul
• muddy
• pollute
• taint
• defile
• discolor
• blacken
• begrime

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cleanse

These capsules are perfect for daily use to naturally cleanse and detoxify the body. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

These formulas cleanse the scalp of buildup (a major cause of flat hair, by the way) while plumping strands with conditioning ingredients like hydrating vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, essentially acting as cheat codes for fuller hair straight out of the 90s. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025

Simply apply directly after cleansing (or after your go-to toner) and finish up by using your favourite moisturiser. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025

Safer alternatives are gentle cleansing with water and mild soap for the outer areas. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 6 Mar. 2025