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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cleansing

2 of 3

adjective

as in purifying

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cleansing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of cleanse
1
as in purging
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially in an elaborate ritual the priestess cleansed the gathering of supplicants

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2
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
The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 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
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 Naturally, there’s a spa too, specializing in hammam rituals that include a foam massage and hair cleansing to wash out that Bosphorus brine. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 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 An amuse bouche opened the meal, a palate-cleansing sorbet marked the end of the dinner and the beginning of dessert, and a little treat, and the end felt like a festive way to linger a little longer and celebrate a special meal. — Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 13 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleansing
  1. purification
  2. cathartic
  3. purging
  4. cleaning
  5. purificatory
  6. moving
  7. impressive
  8. emotional
Noun
  • Several countries possess natural graphite deposits, but producing battery-grade material requires purification, shaping and coating.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In electrolysis, compression, purification, storage and blending, oxygen measurement can support safety logic, gas purity verification, ventilation strategy, leak detection and process optimization.
    — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of purification
Adjective
  • Shortly thereafter, once Bunker came his way, the opportunity to depict a man who’s drastically turning his life around became a fittingly cathartic parallel to Pelphrey’s own recovery journey.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In a time of increasingly frictionless digital consumption, there’s something cathartic about the raw experience of guitar music, as compared with the precise beats of electronic music.
    — Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of cathartic
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
  • Other ways to prevent cockroaches with baking soda are to utilize it as a cleaning agent.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The only thing better than a cozy fireplace is one that doesn’t need, soot, wood, or chimney cleaning.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of cleaning
Adjective
  • Many stepwells were used for ablution; the tanks associated with mosques, Hindu temples and other shrines offered the most purificatory form. Summoning water from the depths was also a symbol of temporal power.
    — The Economist, The Economist, 13 July 2019
Definition of purificatory
Adjective
  • Thomas Edison received a patent for his Kinetograph moving-picture camera.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • One of Bourdain’s most moving reflections on fatherhood came in a 2013 essay for The Guardian.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of moving
Adjective
  • Insider tip From check-in onward, the staff's impressive hospitality and warmth stand out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The real test is not whether an e-bike can travel an impressive distance on paper.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of impressive
Adjective
  • Later, the Moon opposes Uranus in your 4th House of Home and Family, so a household need, emotional update, or living-space issue may interrupt your agenda.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Lisa Knight helped transition her son Will Schaaf into the program in March and said she’s seen growth in his confidence, decision making skills and his emotional state.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of emotional

Browse Nearby Words

cleans house
cleansing
cleans (off)
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Cite this Entry

“Cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleansing. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cleansing

Nglish: Translation of cleansing for Spanish Speakers

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