PURGE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

purge

verb

ˈpərj

Definition of purge

as in to restore

to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially a day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 purge Parcells began that rebuild by purging the roster, releasing nine veterans, which included Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas, all at once. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 Now, Xi remains in office after purging political rivals, abolishing presidential term limits and consolidating power. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 Since 2022, according to data compiled by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the party has formally purged three dozen generals and lieutenant generals, and many more are conspicuously missing. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 The top 10 percent of the entire military chain of command has been purged. — CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purge

Verb

Set the scene The Homestead screams quirky, artful, and vintage yet restored—capturing a whimsical, fairytale ambiance embellished with hints of Southern charm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
But a federal judge ruled that the administration failed to provide due process, and ordered that hard passes to dozens of reporters be restored.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of restore

Verb

The Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp, while the Hair Bonding Treatment delivers a more intensive dose of the brand’s Peptide-132 complex to help strengthen damaged strands and minimize breakage and split ends.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
The Diocletian Ritual, comprising a salt scrub, cleansing mud wrap, and massage, is both invigorating and restorative.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of cleanse

Verb

Instead of sugar or salt, this scalp scrub counts on apricot seed to exfoliate and menthol to purify.

— Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026
There are many easy and cost-effective ways to purify water, such as boiling, filtration and treating with chemical disinfectants.

— Elaine Reno, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of purify

Verb

The spa Clayoquot’s Healing Grounds Spa fully embraces the healing powers of nature, capitalizing on its secluded setting along the banks of the Bedwell River.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Simmons is trying to resurrect his career after sitting out last season to heal a debilitating back injury.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of heal

Browse Nearby Words

purgatory

purge

purged

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Purge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purge. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of purge

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes