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Definitions

purge

[purj] / pɜrdʒ /
NOUN
elimination, removal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
coup evacuation expulsion extermination liquidation suppression
STRONG
abolition catharsis clarification cleaning cleanup crushing disposal disposition ejection eradication excretion expurgation extirpation murder purification
WEAK
abstersion reign of terror witch hunt
Antonyms
STRONG
dirtying
WEAK
holding keeping maintenance
VERB
rid of; clean out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abolish absolve cleanse dismiss eradicate erase exonerate expel expunge exterminate forgive liquidate oust prevent remove wipe out
STRONG
clarify clear disabuse eject excrete expiate kill pardon purify unload wash
WEAK
depurate dispose of do away with rout out shake out sweep out wipe off map
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accuse aid allow assist bear blame build charge condemn construct create establish fix help hold incriminate institute keep plant punish sentence welcome
STRONG
dirty
WEAK
maintain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s a culpability we should all interrogate, not immediately purge.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Beijing has escalated a sweeping purge of military officials in the days before thousands of delegates from across the country meet for the annual Two Sessions political conclave that starts on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Shortly after he was sent a subpoena, according to Mr. Smith’s indictment, Messrs. Nauta and De Oliveira sought to purge the club’s surveillance footage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Maese appears to have survived the purge, at least so far; he’s in Milan right now covering the Olympics.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

Sierra could feel the purge; feel the tremendous vacuum as every last echo of Wick’s spiritual power was obliterated like a ramshackle hut in a monsoon.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Vocabulary lists containing purge

"Beowulf," Vocabulary from the epic poem

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"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act III

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!