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.

Studies after that conflict concluded the damage hampered efforts to purify water and contributed to infant mortality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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 objective of the liquid separation unit will be to purify cerium on one side, lanthanum on the other side," explains production manager Florian Gouneau as we walk up a flight of metal stairs.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

I’m furious, unable to explain I already learned fractions and how to purify river water.

From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai

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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