as in cleansing
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1
as in purging
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
Catholics go to confession to be purified
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in filtering
to remove usually visible impurities from
purify the water by distillation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of purifying
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
In a nutshell, wastewater recycling works by first physically filtering the water, then subjecting it to reverse osmosis, and finally purifying it with ultraviolet light.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026
When taken together in the evening, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice are said to act synergistically to create a gently purifying antioxidant blend.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Crews continue to work in the crash site around Grade Lane, just south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hauling away contaminated soil, purifying water and repairing roadways.
—Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Jan. 2026
For example, those that change the cooling solution or solvent, which is typically used in the process of separating and purifying nuclear materials.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025
One of the best home deals available, this one looks futuristic and boasts excellent purifying power.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
The unit also features an air-purifying system, automatic defrosting function, and interior LED light that can be set for a blue, amber, or white glow.
—Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025
Rubber plants have broad waxy leaves that are effective in purifying the air from toxins and absorbing bacteria and mold spores.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025
Verb
Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
In a nutshell, wastewater recycling works by first physically filtering the water, then subjecting it to reverse osmosis, and finally purifying it with ultraviolet light.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026
When taken together in the evening, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice are said to act synergistically to create a gently purifying antioxidant blend.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Crews continue to work in the crash site around Grade Lane, just south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hauling away contaminated soil, purifying water and repairing roadways.
—Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Jan. 2026
For example, those that change the cooling solution or solvent, which is typically used in the process of separating and purifying nuclear materials.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025
One of the best home deals available, this one looks futuristic and boasts excellent purifying power.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
The unit also features an air-purifying system, automatic defrosting function, and interior LED light that can be set for a blue, amber, or white glow.
—Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025
Rubber plants have broad waxy leaves that are effective in purifying the air from toxins and absorbing bacteria and mold spores.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purifying
Adjective
-
To use the bestseller, distribute three pumps over the face and neck daily, post-cleansing, and start savoring its impressive effects after a couple of months of consistent application.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 Dec. 2025
-
Mario Badescu’s no-frills formula refines pores and soothes skin post-cleansing with witch hazel and rose water.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
18 Nov. 2025
Verb
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And even those veterans could be traded in this rebuilding climate, where the Dolphins are seemingly purging bloated salaries, and traded away players who have value — such as receiver Jaylen Waddle and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick - for draft picks.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Order 1 dissolved the ruling Baath Party and removed all senior party members from their government positions, purging the administrative class that ran its ministries, hospitals and schools.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Huge columns made of light pink and dove gray Tennessee marble shone in the evening light filtering in from the glass roof.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Testing well water regularly and correctly filtering it in a home can cost hundreds of dollars a year.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While some celebrants have greeted these caricatures with cathartic jeers and sneers, others are shocked and outraged.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The emotional combustion of his climactic scenes with Willy fail to reach cathartic levels.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Stepping outside your everyday life has a way of clarifying what actually matters, and returning home with fresh eyes often makes the decisions that felt tough seem far more manageable.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Start by clarifying priorities and boundaries this morning, then build steady momentum through the afternoon as support gathers and timing clicks into place.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Many stepwells were used for ablution; the tanks associated with mosques, Hindu temples and other shrines offered the most purificatory form. Summoning water from the depths was also a symbol of temporal power.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
13 July 2019
Verb
-
That includes strengthening its internal culture, refining legal strategy, and maintaining clear standards around results and professional integrity.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Monasteries, often centers of agricultural and culinary innovation, played a key role in refining pickling methods.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Violators could be ticketed similar to a non-moving violation for a driver.—
Jim Turner,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Each wrong turn is bittersweet, making the eventual reunion even more moving and meaningful.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purifying. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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