as in contamination
something that is or that makes impure
a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
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Recent Examples of contaminant
Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants, according to the FSIS.
—
Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
This is the first study looking at the effect of these contaminants on sharks in the Bahamas, the researchers said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Though some contaminants will be dispersed and diluted by water that moves through the gulf, heavy metals and toxic chemicals still could settle in sediment.
—Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
How many people worry about contaminants in their drinking water yet never think twice about skipping sunscreen, despite skin cancer being the most common, and largely preventable, cancer in the United States?
—Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contaminant
Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
This is the first study looking at the effect of these contaminants on sharks in the Bahamas, the researchers said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Though some contaminants will be dispersed and diluted by water that moves through the gulf, heavy metals and toxic chemicals still could settle in sediment.
—Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
How many people worry about contaminants in their drinking water yet never think twice about skipping sunscreen, despite skin cancer being the most common, and largely preventable, cancer in the United States?
—Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contaminant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminant
Noun
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If contamination or overdevelopment disrupts those aquifer systems, species like Gveleshapia kvevri could be lost before science even documents their existence.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Mead Johnson fortifier used in the head-to-head clinical trial sponsored by Abbott was acidified to prevent bacterial contamination.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
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The Iran war has unleashed a toxic mix of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that threaten everything from agriculture to drinking water to people’s health — and will leave behind environmental damage and health risks that could persist for decades, experts said.—
Tammy Webber,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminant. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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