Synonyms of cleanse

cleanse

verb

ˈklenz 

1

as in to purge

to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially

in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purge
• purify
• heal
• restore
• sanctify
• improve
• refine
• amend
• regenerate
• uplift
• elevate
• exonerate
• absolve
• vindicate
• acquit
• clear
• ennoble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• corrupt
• stain
• degrade
• defile
• poison
• debase
• warp
• demean
• pervert
• prostitute
• debauch
• deprave
• profane
• tarnish
• sully

2

as in to clean

to remove the dirt from

cleanse the wound with soap and water before applying the bandage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clean
• scrub
• wipe
• rinse
• wash
• purge
• turn out
• brush
• purify
• tidy
• deterge
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• sweep
• GI
• sanitize
• shampoo
• freshen
• mop
• vacuum
• scour
• brighten
• launder
• comb
• dust
• sweeten
• swab
• sponge
• straighten (up)
• muck (out)
• deodorize
• spruce (up)
• dry-clean
• unclutter
• pick up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soil
• dirty
• stain
• besmirch
• sully
• spot
• foul
• muddy
• pollute
• taint
• defile
• discolor
• blacken
• begrime

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cleanse

Henry says that cleansing too aggressively can contribute to barrier disruption as well. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2026

The Never Thirsty Shampoo is formulated with provitamin B5 and argan oil to cleanse away oil and product buildup while leaving hair soft and smooth. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

Soon, he and two other guests are taken hostage by Joan (Taylor-Joy) and her radical followers, who believe that a volcanic event will cleanse the planet. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Kansas’ Union soldiers, who were known as Jayhawkers, responded by cleansing three Missouri counties along the border and stacking a similar number of dead bodies in retaliation. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026