contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈta-mə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
Synonyms of contaminantnext
: something that contaminates

Examples of contaminant in a Sentence

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The new testing initiative follows reporting by The Times that workers repeatedly violated cleanup protocols, possibly leaving fire contaminants behind or moving them into unwanted areas, according to federal reports. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 Detroiter Jose Oquendo asked when informed by the Free Press of the contaminants found in the plot next to his west-side home. Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 12 Jan. 2026 The top lid screws securely over the straw to keep contaminants out, and the filter is a combination microfilter with a carbon insert that attaches to the straw portion of the lid. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026 Washing and drying the exterior will keep the paint clean and remove contaminants that could cause rust. Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contaminant

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminant was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminant. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Medical Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contaminant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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