antibiotic 1 of 2

noun

Definition of antibioticnext
as in drug
medical a substance that is used to kill harmful bacteria and to cure infections

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antibiotic

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in biocidal

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in antibacterial

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of antibiotic
Noun
When America was born, doctors couldn’t detect bacteria, couldn’t measure blood pressure and had no antibiotics. — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 30 June 2026 His son developed Bell's palsy, a sudden paralysis on one side of the face, but recovered quickly after a course of oral antibiotics. — Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 27 June 2026
Adjective
Cyclosporiasis is treated with an antibiotic, usually Bactrim. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026 Cyclosporiasis can be treated with a combination antibiotic, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. — Eva Flowe july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antibiotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antibiotic
  1. drug
  2. biocidal
  3. antibacterial
  4. medicine
  5. destructive
  6. germicidal
  7. medication
  8. devastating
Noun
  • An investigation by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners found that while the three medications were administered in non-fatal doses, Hemphill failed to acknowledge the way the drugs would act when combined, according to the warrant.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • The twist is that she’s already attached to Reynolds (Ben Foster), who looks like a dweeb — but is, in fact, an extremely wealthy and powerful drug kingpin.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of drug
Adjective
  • Developed in partnership with British company Indestructible Paint, the coating consists of that firm's conventional clear gloss resin along with a 2% concentration of a broad-spectrum biocidal agent known as chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX).
    — Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Schuerger’s team is also expanding their tests to see how organisms respond to additional biocidal factors.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 25 Sep. 2016
Definition of biocidal
Adjective
  • The leaves and fruit, which studies show have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, are also used to treat chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
  • The monochrome suede upper gives them an expensive feel, while the antibacterial top cloth helps keep sweaty summer feet a little fresher—an underrated bonus.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 23 June 2026
Definition of antibacterial
Noun
  • That convergence is drawing together businesses that once occupied separate corners of the market, from consumer staples companies selling food to biotech firms developing medicines and veterinary providers offering increasingly sophisticated care.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • Adam Farren is the CEO of Canvas Medical, an EMR company accelerating everyday medicine.
    — Adam Farren, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of medicine
Adjective
  • Sinlaku’s slow movement (in contrast to Bavi) worsened impacts by keeping destructive winds and torrential rain over the islands for hours, rather than moving through quickly.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The fire burned simultaneously with the similarly destructive Eaton Fire in Altadena and other communities in the foothills of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
    — Daily News, Daily News, 4 July 2026
Definition of destructive
Adjective
  • The Whitney has a fumigation guy who uses a process called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
    — Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Humans have known for over a hundred years that UV radiation can kill deadly germs, and hospitals have used germicidal 254-nm UVC to sterilize objects for decades.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Mar. 2023
Definition of germicidal
Noun
  • Maintenance inhalers are either long-acting airway dilators or anti-inflammatory medications like steroids that patients should take daily.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Though effective medication exists, the issue is persistent in areas with a lack of easy access to testing, treatment and clean water so people don't rely on local bodies of water for drinking and bathing.
    — William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026
Definition of medication
Adjective
  • The Five Star Weekend follows Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026
  • Using examples like incidental lung nodules, the piece illustrates how AI can ensure timely follow-ups and coordinated care, preventing devastating delays.
    — Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of devastating

Browse Nearby Words

antibacterial
antibiotic
antibiotics
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Cite this Entry

“Antibiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antibiotic. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antibiotic

Nglish: Translation of antibiotic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antibiotic

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