as in purification
the act or fact of freeing from sin or moral guilt
underwent a cleansing before he could enter the temple's most sacred chamber
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in purifying
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in purging
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cleaning
to remove the dirt from
cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleansing
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
Start by cleansing the affected area with mild soap and warm water, then pat dry.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap Transform shower time while gently cleansing your skin with the refreshing fragrance and rich, creamy lather of the Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Apply on face and neck after cleansing.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
Over four songs that span the length of a feature film, Sumac turn The Healer into a beguiling feat of experimental metal that’s at once cleansing and terrifying.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
This four-piece kit features four of the brand’s top sellers, a standout of which is the cleansing oil—a lightweight formula packed with jojoba, safflower, and apricot kernel oil for hydration, plus green tea extract to soothe irritation, and ginseng and licorice extract for brightening.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024
That means two bottles of this delectable cream in all of its moisturizing, priming, and cleansing glory.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Nov. 2024
Exfoliation should be done right after cleansing your face.
—Rio Viera-Newton, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
This silicone scrubber is my body cleansing agent of choice.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
Start by cleansing the affected area with mild soap and warm water, then pat dry.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap Transform shower time while gently cleansing your skin with the refreshing fragrance and rich, creamy lather of the Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Apply on face and neck after cleansing.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
Over four songs that span the length of a feature film, Sumac turn The Healer into a beguiling feat of experimental metal that’s at once cleansing and terrifying.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
This four-piece kit features four of the brand’s top sellers, a standout of which is the cleansing oil—a lightweight formula packed with jojoba, safflower, and apricot kernel oil for hydration, plus green tea extract to soothe irritation, and ginseng and licorice extract for brightening.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024
That means two bottles of this delectable cream in all of its moisturizing, priming, and cleansing glory.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Nov. 2024
Exfoliation should be done right after cleansing your face.
—Rio Viera-Newton, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleansing
Noun
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That’s because, with the exception of reverse osmosis—which is used sparingly, in instances where recycled or saltwater is being treated—typical water purification processes aren’t designed to suck out molecules that tiny.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
10 Jan. 2025
-
Raw data, like raw water, must undergo a process of purification to become valuable for AI systems.—
Hamilton Mann,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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When the sun conjuncts Pluto in Aquarius, the energy is intensely cathartic and transformative.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Personally, a Saturday viewing of the delightful Robbie Williams biopic Better Man was a cathartic and necessary escape from the tragedy.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.—
Susan Tompor,
USA TODAY,
21 Dec. 2024
-
Sam and Eric’s attempts to evade the aliens can be gripping and scary, but Day One is really a profoundly moving exploration of what survival really means.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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At 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, the Russian center is known for his impressive puck skills and ability to find the back of the net.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
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Hemp seeds and flaxseeds have become popular for their impressive nutritional profiles and potential health benefits.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
People feel abandoned or unprepared, amplifying the emotional toll.—
John Hope Bryant,
TIME,
18 Jan. 2025
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These intelligent and emotional animals have been a part of human culture for centuries—as companions, workers and performers.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near cleansing
Cite this Entry
“Cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleansing. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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