Synonyms of contaminant

contaminant

noun

kən-ˈta-mə-nənt 

as in contamination

something that is or that makes impure

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contamination
• pollutant
• sludge
• defect
• impurity
• soil
• irregularity
• stain
• adulterant
• taint
• defilement
• dirt
• spot
• abnormality
• muck
• blot
• fault
• grime
• filth
• blotch
• flaw
• scum
• smut
• blemish
• disfigurement
• imperfection

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• filter
• purifier
• refiner
• clarifier
• purity
• cleanliness
• immaculateness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contaminant

Risks for Reusing Towels An article in Scientific Reports1 found that all of the contaminants in bath towels form a microbial community and the longer the towel stays damp, the more the community grows. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Jegede said most root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, along with any fruit that has an outer layer, can be washed to remove potential contaminants, even if they were covered in ash. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Even drinking water, which is carefully treated and monitored, can contain trace amounts of contaminants from multiple sources, including pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and compounds formed during water treatment. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Common threats include biotoxins, chemical contaminants, disease, and fishing gear entanglements, experts say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026