1
as in purges
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cleans
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 cleanses
Shani Darden's Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance, thanks to a two-step process that deeply resurfaces and cleanses skin.
—
Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
This one not only deposits color, but also gently cleanses and conditions the hair.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
Droves of customers just bought this Garnier micellar water that expertly removes makeup and gently cleanses the skin without stripping it bare.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Mindful breathing, meditation, and cupping therapies help clear toxins, while sound bowl and crystal chakra cleanses balance the body’s energy.
—Nina Patel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025
The exfoliating face wash has become a staple for me thanks to its gentle formula that reduces blackheads and deeply cleanses skin.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Nexxus Amino Bond Shampoo & Conditioner The Amino Bond Repair Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and removes build up from the scalp while gently nourishing strands for enhanced strength.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
This essence quickly cleanses and detoxes sensitive skin to soothe it.
—Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
This one not only deposits color, but also gently cleanses and conditions the hair.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
Droves of customers just bought this Garnier micellar water that expertly removes makeup and gently cleanses the skin without stripping it bare.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Mindful breathing, meditation, and cupping therapies help clear toxins, while sound bowl and crystal chakra cleanses balance the body’s energy.
—Nina Patel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025
The exfoliating face wash has become a staple for me thanks to its gentle formula that reduces blackheads and deeply cleanses skin.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Nexxus Amino Bond Shampoo & Conditioner The Amino Bond Repair Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and removes build up from the scalp while gently nourishing strands for enhanced strength.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
This essence quickly cleanses and detoxes sensitive skin to soothe it.
—Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleanses
Verb
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Haugh lets out the occasional wince, twitch and groan as Patterson kneads knotted muscles and purges lactic acid build-up so Florida’s leading scorer and ironman can continue to shoulder his heavy workload.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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Unless a Nest user subscribes to a service that allows for quick access to review footage recorded on a device, Google routinely purges the footage rather than retain it indefinitely, said Stacey Higginbotham, a policy fellow at Consumer Reports who specializes in cybersecurity issues.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This product’s biggest highlight is its pH Power Technology, which cleans laundry using millions of micro-scrubbers that break down odors and dirt with ease.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
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Kelly does the grocery shopping, but Lally still cleans and cooks for herself (and only takes one baby aspirin and one blood pressure pill a day).—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
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Designed with a blend of advanced filters, including stainless steel mesh and activated carbon, Aquabliss’ Shower Filter purifies your water and enriches it with vitamin C and tourmaline, revealing softer skin and glossier strands.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Quero’s struggles might force Venable to make a tough decision and give Romo more time behind the plate while Kyle Teel heals.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This speaks to communication that may hurt but ultimately heals.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The pass-through credit restores some of the deduction by sending 100 percent of a New York City business tax back to business owners.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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The Hydro-Screen Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol is an ultra-versatile serum that hydrates, moisturizes, repairs, restores and helps to boost collagen production on the face, neck and even your hands.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleanses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleanses. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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