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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cleansing

2 of 3

adjective

as in purifying

Related Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Simply use a cleansing balm or micellar water makeup remover that dissolves the pigments and film-forming agents that make the eyeshadow waterproof and long-lasting. — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026 It was used for tanning leather, making toothpaste (yes, really), and most of all for cleansing and fortifying fabric in a process called fulling. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 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 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 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

It’s also packed with a slew of cleansing agents that are known for effectively sloughing away gunk while being gentle enough not to damage the skin barrier. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 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 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

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said a second batch of relief supplies was being sent to Nepal, including drones, DNA testing and water purification equipment.

— Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said a second batch of relief supplies was being sent to Nepal, including drones, DNA testing and water purification equipment.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of purification

Verb

Similar to purging in home organizing, Keen says to look for images that spark joy, like Marie Kondo-style decluttering.

— Staff Author, Southern Living, 29 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

Besiktas had been chasing Joe Willock, who seemed a shoo-in to depart, but an impressive start under Jaissle brought a rethink; a contract extension is possible.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
My mom’s longtime favorite flip-flops have a super impressive discount today, so act fast to snap them up before summer officially comes to a close.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of impressive

Browse Nearby Words

cleans house

cleansing

cleans (off)

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleansing. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of cleansing

noun

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes