Resume Synonyms for Clean

Want another word for Clean to use on your resume? Our team's compiled the most effective action verbs and synonyms you can use instead of the overused resume phrase, "Clean".

Kimberley Tyler Smith Author Photo
Compiled by: Kimberley Tyler-Smith
Senior Hiring Manager
20+ Years of Experience

A high-quality resume is one of the keys to success in getting interviewed, so you must write it in a way that clearly describes your skill set as precisely as possible. Let your potential employer know you're thorough, able to follow instructions, and can organize tasks by using the verb 'clean' in your resume.

This word conveys a skill that can describe a variety of tasks. However, the present tense verb 'clean' is too generic—it represents an action without a clear result. So the recruiter reading your resume will assume that you did your job adequately but not more than that.

A better way to express the same meaning is to use power verbs instead of weak verbs like 'clean.' It's also essential to use the verb's past tense form in highlighting past roles. For example, you could say 'fixed,' 'systematized,' or 'arrayed' instead of 'clean.'

Using power verbs instead of generic verbs in your resume gives an impression of what kind of employee you are: someone who goes above and beyond what is expected, someone who takes pride in their work and wants everything they do to be done as well as possible.

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Clean on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Clean:

  • Consolidated
  • Codified
  • Indexed
  • Marshalled
  • Ordered
  • Systematized
  • Catalogued
  • Tabulated
  • Assembled
  • Listed
  • Arrayed
  • Filed
  • Disposed
  • Methodized
  • Combined
  • Harmonized
  • Straightened
  • Fixed
  • Spruced

How to replace Clean with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Clean, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Clean

Cleaned data from different sources

After: Using a stronger synonymAggregated unstructured data from 20+ sources to build the foundation of a new E-Commerce product; led to $100,000 in new revenue .

Replacing Clean with Standardized

Before: Clean

Cleaned up roster documents

After: StandardizedStandardized all team roster documents to create a clean, efficient look; increasing communication effectiveness by 35%

To enhance this point, the vague term 'cleaned up' was replaced with 'standardized', connoting a more deliberate, technical process. This change also allowed for specific metrics to be added, which demonstrates verifiable impact.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.


How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Clean.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed company's 24-month sales results to develop five-year monthly projections by revenue and customer type.

How to use Managed on a resume:

Managed a 10-member cross-functional (engineering, product, sales, support) team and coordinated with five business partners towards the successful launch of an e-commerce website.

How to use Generated on a resume:

Generated 12,000 unique users, 30,000 page views, and 2000+ newsletter signups in 3 weeks by successfully leveraging social media advertising (Facebook and Instagram).

How to use Performed on a resume:

Performed DCF analysis to evaluate offers for company's sell-side process; qualitative offer comparison and quantitative model outputs were shared directly with client's senior management team.

How to use Conducted on a resume:

Conducted sector research in TMT space through expert interviews, market reports, and engagement with external advisors; created sector map of big data analytics space; prepared recommendations on attractiveness and feasibility on 6+ prospects.

How to use Optimized on a resume:

Optimized budget allocation of the increased marketing spend of $10MM across 5 cities.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Clean on a resume?

You can say Assembled, Listed or Spruced instead of Clean.

What is a better way of saying Clean on a resume?

If you're looking for another word to use in place of Clean, consider using one of these stronger alternatives:

  • Ordered
  • Listed
  • Catalogued
  • Arrayed
  • Spruced
  • Indexed

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

To figure out if you're using the right verbs on your resume, you should upload it to the tool below. It'll analyze at each of your resume's bullet points and verbs, as well as 20+ key criteria hiring managers look for, and tell you if you have any big mistakes that need fixing.



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