CLEANSING Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

cleansing 1 of 3

noun

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cleansing

2 of 3

adjective

as in purifying

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Dissimilar Words

cleansing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of cleanse

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

as in cleaning

to remove the dirt from cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cleansing

Noun

Consider its Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk the gentler, creamier addition to your cleansing lineup. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 This balm-to-oil cleansing balm from RMS Beauty relies on 100 percent organic, cold-centrifugal coconut oil and kakadu plum seed oil (rich in vitamin C) to remove makeup and SPF while nourishing, softening, and imparting a glow on the skin. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 This can stem from improper product layering, barrier disruption, over-cleansing, and more. — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026 The Orthodox Christian service included a holy water cleansing ritual for chronic illnesses, per the BBC. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 For this story, Quinn added the Bioré serum to her daytime skincare routine, after cleansing and before applying a hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, and SPF. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 5 Aug. 2026 Mieloch recommends using a proper double-cleansing ritual to dissolve the makeup for the most effective results. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026 Fresh just dropped its Soy Cleansing Jelly Balm, a cleansing balm to add to your summer skin rotation. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Guests can also participate in yoga and crystal cleansing sessions under the moonlight, as well as discussions focused on spirituality and readings. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The in-shower treatment is meant to be used post-cleansing; simply massage it into wet hair and rinse it out two-to-three times a week. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 24 June 2026 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 Exploring divine Love’s infinite nature is so cleansing. — Mark Swinney, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025

Verb

Sulfates are cleansing agents that attract oil, product buildup, and dirt. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026 For best results, use in the morning and night after cleansing and applying toner, then seal it in with your go-to moisturizer. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Soak for 30 minutes to absorb the bath’s therapeutic benefits which include releasing tension, cleansing your skin, and relaxing your body. — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 If your skin feels tight after cleansing or tends to become flaky, Native Hydrating Facial Cleanser is an affordable upgrade. — Laura Lu, Parents, 29 July 2026 As a result, these ingredients leave you with firmer, softer results; apply it twice daily after cleansing to experience the magic for yourself (don’t forget to follow it with sunscreen during the day). — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 27 July 2026 Try cleansing windows, mirrors and floors with a water-vinegar solution. — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026 Contrary to what those face-washing commercials from our childhood led us to believe, your skin doesn't need to feel tight or squeaky-clean after cleansing. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026 Take up to 30% off these cleansing oils that will completely change your face-wash routine. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleansing

Noun

The DuPage Water Commission and the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency are partnering to build a lake water intake, purification station and tunnels stretching across two counties.

— Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Several countries possess natural graphite deposits, but producing battery-grade material requires purification, shaping and coating.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of purification

Verb

Add things like purging closets and cleaning windows to your calendar on a regular basis, rather than having one big cleaning spree every spring.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026
When purging categories was proposed during that period, it was met with fierce resistance from the Writers branch, as well as WGA.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 July 2026

Definition of purging

Verb

Hand soap is meant for clearing surface dirt, cleaning expert Andy Wray says.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
Blood Similar to cleaning urine stains, if the blood on your mattress is fresh, then start the process by soaking up excess liquid with a paper towel before cleaning the area.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of cleaning

Adjective

The most impressive trick Paranormal Activity pulls off is making an entire theater — devotees and newcomers alike — afraid to look away, and giving them one hell of a good time while doing it.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
The ingredients are impressive, but the shopper reviews are even better.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

Rather than just a reproductive issue, endometriosis is a whole-body condition, affecting everything from emotional regulation to hormone production and gut health.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
The song, famously written by Parton as an emotional farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner and his show, topped the country chart in 1974.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of emotional

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cleans house

cleansing

cleans (off)

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“Cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleansing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cleansing

noun

adjective

verb

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