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
-
The treatment involves four stages: purification, warmth, focus and recovery.—
Akili King,
Essence,
23 May 2025
-
Call it a long-overdue reckoning, repossession or purification.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Seeing her baby cry then provokes Jeanette, and soon the mom and daughter comfort each other, turning their tears into cathartic laughter, another wonderful moment between generations.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
-
The cathartic ballet, inspired in equal parts by Grease and Singin’ in the Rain, almost didn’t make the final cut.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
These streams of immigration have long been the most moving aspect about the United States.—
Andrew Moore,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive architecture and a foundation dating back to the 13th century.—
Carlsen Jes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
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There was nearly a fourth as well, though rookie Kristian Campbell was able to make an impressive backhanded grab in shallow right with his back to the infield in the bottom of the fourth.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
The award-winning filmmaker captures the emotional and cultural landscapes of 12 African nations, offering an immersive journey into the museum’s new African Art galleries.—
Keyaira Boone,
Essence,
30 May 2025
-
Gina Huynh Diddy’s former girlfriend Gina Huynh has made public allegations of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, leading to speculation that she could be called upon to testify.—
Janeé Bolden,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleansing. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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