cleanse
1 synonym and 6 antonyms for cleanse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make thoroughly clean or free of impurities.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To make thoroughly clean or free of impurities.
“She cleansed the wound before bandaging it.”
Opposites
2. verb
To rid of something considered undesirable, corrupt, or sinful.
“The ritual was meant to cleanse the house of bad spirits.”
Opposites
How to use cleanse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cleanse the skin
cleanse the palate
ethnic cleansing
Etymology
From Old English clǣnsian, "to make clean," built directly on the root of "clean."
Full origin of cleanse →Frequently asked questions
What does “cleanse” mean?
The word “cleanse” means to make thoroughly clean or free of impurities. In plain terms, to thoroughly purify or purge something of dirt, impurity, or (figuratively) guilt.
How do you pronounce “cleanse”?
“Cleanse” is pronounced klehnz (/klɛnz/ in IPA).
How do you use “cleanse” in a sentence?
Here is “cleanse” used in a sentence: “She cleansed the wound before bandaging it.”
What part of speech is “cleanse”?
“Cleanse” is a verb.
Where does the word “cleanse” come from?
The word “cleanse” comes from Old English. From Old English clǣnsian, "to make clean," built directly on the root of "clean.".
Is “cleanse” a common word?
“Cleanse” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cleanse” have?
“Cleanse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make thoroughly clean or free of impurities.
