purgative

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.

Theater makes much of the element of catharsis, but rarely is a show purgative all the way through, as the choreopoem “Queens of Sheba” is.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2024

Taking out the trash is like administering a purgative to my house.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2019

The last act of a Shakespearean tragedy always brings such purgative reckonings.

From The Guardian • Sep. 29, 2018

And this, too, felt like a purgative end to 2016.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

Is there the purgative rhubarb or thyme that cures the long lethargy?

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein