1
as in barren
not able to produce fruit or offspring
sterile couples sometimes choose to adopt needy children the apple tree turned out to be sterile, never yielding a crop of apples
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sanitary
free from filth, infection, or dangers to health
the hospitals in the war-torn city often lack necessary drugs and sterile surgical supplies
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Recent Examples of sterile
Across the East Coast, dispensaries are shifting away from the sterile, minimalist vibes of the past and toward a more integrated, cultural approach.
—
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
That includes renovating the sterile processing department and adding space for pre-operation, post-operation and procedural care.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Here’s what the experts have to say The ‘sterile cockpit’ rule
Takeoffs and landings are not taken lightly.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
With two treatments, the capybaras should be sterile for at least a few months.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
That includes renovating the sterile processing department and adding space for pre-operation, post-operation and procedural care.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Here’s what the experts have to say The ‘sterile cockpit’ rule
Takeoffs and landings are not taken lightly.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
With two treatments, the capybaras should be sterile for at least a few months.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterile
Adjective
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In the early 1900s, Jennie Butchart transformed the scarred land of a barren limestone quarry into a lush retreat, proving nature’s resilience.—
Cheryl Russell,
Oc Register,
11 May 2025
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The inky ocean depths are often assumed to be barren, but this is a myth, said Adrian Glover, a deep-sea ocean scientist at the UK’s Natural History Museum.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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In other words, a lack of sanitary and dependable water systems can jeopardize lives which may deter utilities from partnering with water technology startups, no matter how innovative and cost-effective their solution may be.—
Jamil Wyne,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Residents in Louisville, Kentucky, were asked to temporarily reduce their water use for appliances like washing machines and dishwashers as the sanitary sewer system hit capacity.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterile. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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