Thomas Bowdler is most commonly known for his work as a literary censor. A synonym for Bowdler may be "expurgator", meaning one who removes or cleanses objectionable material from literature. Another possible synonym is "scrubber", as Bowdler was famously known for scrubbing Shakespeare's works of profanity, sexual references, and violent scenes. Other synonyms could include "purifier", "cleaner", or "editor". Bowdler's legacy has been both praised and criticized, with some arguing that his work helped make literature more appropriate for younger audiences, while others argue that his censorship went too far and limits the artistic expression of writers.