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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of cleanse

The hotel, in fact, is built on the remains of public baths dating back to the 4th century when the Roman emperor Diocletian would send his subjects to these venues to cleanse their bodies and their souls. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024

For pilgrims, the pinnacle of the festival is a dip in the sacred waters on auspicious days—an act believed to cleanse the faithful of their sins. —Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024

This gravitational pull between the two celestial bodies generates a potent energy that is thought to be perfect for recharging crystals, amplifying and cleansing their natural abilities. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024

The nation’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Blinken that Israel was ethnically cleansing Palestinians from Gaza. —Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024