Definitions

purify

[pyoor-uh-fahy] / ˈpyʊər əˌfaɪ /

VERB

make clean or pure

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rarefy

STRONG

absolve aerate aerify atone chasten clarify clean cleanse clear decontaminate deodorize deterge disinfect edulcorate exculpate exonerate expiate filter fumigate lustrate oxygenate purge redeem refine remit sanctify sanitize shrive sublimate wash

WEAK

depurate elutriate

Antonyms

STRONG

blame charge condemn dirty encourage hold incriminate keep pollute sentence soil

WEAK

adulterate corrupt

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.

In such an environment, it is especially reckless to assume that war, no matter how justified, will somehow purify institutions rather than corrode them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Ice masters look at the PH levels of the water and purify it to remove minerals and impurities.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

The punishments were made after a "systematic review" and were needed "to enforce industry discipline, purify the football environment, and maintain fair competition", the CFA wrote on its official social media account Thursday.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Beyond their unique biological properties, nanobodies are simpler to produce and purify than traditional antibodies.

From Science Daily • Nov. 6, 2025

The Iroquois Indians used the leaves and roots of this plant to stop bleeding and purify cuts.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Vocabulary lists containing purify

English Words Derived from French, List 2

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myPerspectives 9.6

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"Be Prepared" by Vera Brosgol

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