cleanse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the "cleanse" crossword clue? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "cleanse crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WASH: To clean with water and often soap; a very common synonym for cleanse.
5 Letters
RINSE: To wash lightly, usually with water only, to remove soap or dirt residue.
PURGE: To rid of an unwanted quality, feeling, or memory; to cleanse or purify, often in a more figurative sense.
CLEAN: To make free from dirt, marks, or stains; a direct and straightforward synonym.
SCRUB: To rub hard to clean, especially with a brush and soap or detergent.
8 Letters
SANITIZE: To make hygienic and free from bacteria or contaminants by cleaning or disinfecting.
13 Letters
DECONTAMINATE: To remove or neutralize poisonous or harmful substances from an area, object, or person; a more specific and technical form of cleansing.
More About "cleanse crossword clue"
"Cleanse" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in various contexts. Its core meaning revolves around making something pure, free from impurities, or removing unwanted elements. This can apply to physical objects (like washing dishes), the body (like a detox cleanse), or even abstract concepts (like cleansing one's mind of negative thoughts).
The beauty of this clue lies in the breadth of its synonyms, allowing setters to use words ranging from simple, everyday terms like "wash" to more specific or formal vocabulary like "decontaminate." Pay close attention to the context of the overall puzzle and any other intersecting clues, as they will often guide you towards the most appropriate synonym for "cleanse."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Nuance: Does the clue imply a gentle cleaning (RINSE) or a rigorous one (SCRUB)? Sometimes the specific verb choice hints at the answer's intensity.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most important clue. For "cleanse", if you have 4 letters, WASH is highly probable. If you have 5, you have more options like RINSE, PURGE, or CLEAN.
- Look for Intersecting Words: Always use the letters from intersecting words. This is crucial for confirming a suspect answer, especially when multiple synonyms of the same length exist.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While common synonyms like WASH are frequent, be prepared for more obscure or formal terms like LAVE or DECONTAMINATE if the puzzle setter is aiming for a challenge.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cleanse' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'cleanse' often points to synonyms like WASH, RINSE, PURGE, or SANITIZE. It generally refers to the act of purifying, making something free from dirt, or removing impurities, whether physical or metaphorical.
How can I find the correct answer for 'cleanse' if I only have a few letters?
If you have a few letters, consider the length of the word you need. For example, if it's 4 letters, 'WASH' is likely. If 5, 'RINSE' or 'PURGE' are strong candidates. Cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm the fit.
Are there any less common synonyms for 'cleanse' that appear in crosswords?
While WASH, RINSE, and PURGE are common, be aware of less frequent ones like LAVE (a poetic term for washing), or even more specific actions like DECONTAMINATE or SANITIZE, especially in themed puzzles.