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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This highlights the feasibility of utilizing agricultural waste materials, like rice straw, in developing sustainable and efficient water purification systems.—
Dr. Reji Thomas,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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The purification is all about relaxing the body and emptying emotions that weigh you down, via rituals called Sulwha Dong (the Zen waves created by the Sulwha Bowl) and Sulwha Jeong (the aesthetician rubs the skin with a dry cotton towel and signature scents, for sensorial touch).—
Akili King,
Essence,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Something Beautiful, Lorde bares her truth in a cathartic song from her forthcoming Virgin, and Haim step back into the past with a punchy retro-rocker.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
-
But McCarthy wants no part in creating some sort of cathartic healing story around Journalism.—
Dana O'Neil,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Related Articles The Pathlight suit, which shines a light on how the retail buyout came together last year, is one more moving part and potential expense.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
28 May 2025
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The most moving moments of the program came from VOC Advisory Board member Zarah Meyer, who shared a heartfelt personal testimony alongside her 4-year-old daughter Rosie.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The print is bold and easy to spot amongst other luggage, while the impressive craftsmanship will keep the bag itself looking brand new for many trips to come.—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2025
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Latu stood out in that capacity, as the 6-foot-7, 244-pound tight end showed impressive athleticism and route running for his size, and seemed very natural catching the ball.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin — each of whom the Doggfather personally shouted out during his speech — also took home the same honor, making for emotional moments throughout the four-hour ceremony.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
10 June 2025
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Set in early 2010s Taipei during the rise of social media, the series examines generational rifts, shifting identities and the emotional toll of public opinion in Taiwan’s rapidly evolving society.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleansing. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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